Watches at BensonTrade

A watch winder is an indispensable accessory for any enthusiast and proud owner of one or more automatic watches. This comprehensive accessory not only provides an elegant way to safely store and display your timepieces, but also ensures they remain in motion when not being worn. Automatic watches typically rely on the movement of the wearer's wrist to generate energy; if left unworn for an extended period, the movement may eventually come to a stop. A watch winder prevents this, sparing you the need to reset the time, or any additional complications, every time you wish to wear the watch. This is especially convenient if you own multiple automatic watches. Furthermore, the motion provided by a high-quality watch winder ensures that the lubricants within the movement are properly distributed, which helps keep the watch in excellent condition. In short, a quality watch winder is a valuable investment for any automatic watch enthusiast.

When searching for a suitable watch winder, you will discover a wide range of options, including various materials, designs, capacities, and technical features. Most watch winders are designed as standalone units, intended to be placed on a shelf, desk, or sideboard, a perfectly adequate solution for keeping your watches wound. But what if you would prefer to keep your automatic watches wound inside a safe, use a winder within a drawer, or perhaps integrate a winding mechanism into a favorite piece of furniture? In situations like these, a standard watch winder model often fails to provide the solution you have in mind. You are constrained by the dimensions and design of an existing unit, whereas you may be looking for something that aligns perfectly with your personal preferences. In such cases, a DIY watch winder module from Benson offers an intriguing alternative.

Benson is a respected Dutch brand in the field of watch accessories, having established itself over the years as a trusted name for high-quality watch winders and related products. Drawing on extensive experience and specialized knowledge, Benson possesses the expertise required to wind automatic watches reliably and effectively. This involves not only the quality of the motors used, but also the control systems, precise settings, and the meticulous finishing of individual components. What sets Benson apart is that the brand does not limit this expertise to the development of complete, standalone watch winders; it also offers winding modules and full panels perfectly suited for integration into custom designs. In this regard, Benson distinguishes itself from many other brands, which rarely, if ever, provide such bespoke solutions.

Developing DIY watch winder modules requires specialized knowledge of winding technology, as well as a professional understanding of how various components interact. Benson possesses this expertise and has long provided solutions to both individual consumers and businesses, including specialists in interior design, shipbuilding, safe manufacturing, and furniture production. Whether you wish to create a custom watch cabinet, equip an existing safe with an integrated winding system, or complement a unique interior design project with a luxury solution for automatic watches, a Benson DIY watch winder module provides the ideal technical foundation.

But what exactly does a DIY watch winder module entail? In essence, it is a complete system containing all the necessary components to integrate a high-quality winding mechanism into a design of your own creation. The term "DIY" stands for "Do It Yourself," meaning you have full control over the final appearance of the design. You are not limited to choosing a pre-existing watch winder with fixed dimensions and a predetermined look; instead, you can incorporate the winding mechanism into a custom housing, a piece of furniture, or any other application that perfectly aligns with your personal preferences. Benson’s DIY watch winder modules are supplied fully assembled and ready for "plug-and-play" use, allowing you to integrate them directly into your own project.

The motor is the most critical component of a DIY watch winder module. It drives the controlled rotation of the watch holder, ensuring that an automatic watch remains powered. Benson utilizes high-quality Japanese and Swiss motors, guaranteeing reliability. A high-quality motor is essential not only for the system's dependability but also for minimizing noise and vibration during operation. This is particularly important if you intend to install the watch winder within a piece of furniture, a safe, or a drawer; a quiet and efficient motor ensures that the winding process remains unobtrusive.

In addition to the motor, the watch holder and the control system also play vital roles. The watch holder keeps the timepiece securely in place while it rotates. It is important to ensure that the chosen holder is appropriate for the specific dimensions and weight of your watch. A proper fit prevents the watch from shifting, thereby ensuring safe operation. The control system, which includes a CPU and a touchscreen, allows you to adjust the watch winder’s settings, such as the direction of rotation, the number of rotations per day, and the rest periods between movement cycles.

These adjustable settings are essential because not all automatic watches are wound in the same way. Some movements require a specific direction of rotation, while others can be wound in multiple directions. To ensure your automatic watch is wound correctly, it is important to check the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the optimal rotation direction and the required number of rotations per day. Benson DIY watch winder modules allow you to customize these settings for various automatic watches, making them compatible with a wide range of brands and models. Furthermore, if you wish to wind multiple watches, it is crucial to be able to select the appropriate settings for each individual rotor, allowing you to care for your entire watch collection effectively.

When assembling your own watch winder, the power supply and the housing also require careful consideration. Depending on the design, the module can be powered via a suitable adapter or by batteries; the chosen power solution must, of course, align with the system's technical requirements. For the sake of safety, ensure you select an appropriate power adapter and use well-insulated electrical connections. The housing protects the internal components and defines the aesthetic of the final design; you can choose materials that complement your interior decor or suit the specific purpose of your project. Wood, aluminum, and acrylic are interesting options, but you could also opt for an enclosure manufactured using a 3D printer.

Optional extras, such as LED lighting or a decorative trim ring for a polished finish, can truly complete the look. A key advantage of a Benson DIY watch winder module is that you have complete control over the design. Rather than being limited to the aesthetic of a pre-existing watch winder, you can personally select the materials, colors, and finishes that best suit your project. Whether you envision a watch winder that complements a luxurious interior or a system designed to be discreetly integrated into a safe or drawer, a custom design offers a wealth of possibilities. Furthermore, you can tailor the capacity of your watch winder to match your specific collection of timepieces, deciding exactly how many automatic watches you wish to accommodate and how much space the individual components should occupy. With a well-thought-out design, you can even expand your winding capacity in the future by adding extra modules as your collection grows.

Additionally, a custom project provides greater flexibility regarding your budget. You can determine which components are most important to you and where you might choose to invest a little more, such as the quality of the motors, the sophistication of the control system, the materials used, or the finish of the housing. Naturally, the final cost will depend on the choices you make and the scale of your project. Developing your own design also offers a fascinating opportunity to learn more about the technology that powers a watch winder. In the process, you gain valuable experience in areas such as mechanics, electronics, programming, and product design, while simultaneously deepening your understanding of how an automatic watch functions and the technical requirements for winding it correctly.
Another advantage of a modular system is that maintenance and potential adjustments are more straightforward to carry out. If a component is intelligently integrated and can be replaced individually, you do not necessarily have to replace the entire system in the event of a malfunction, a significant benefit, especially in the long term. It is therefore wise to consider the accessibility of the motors, connections, and control systems during the design phase. A robust enclosure, stable mounting, and a precise fit for the watch holders are also essential for reliable operation and the safety of your watches. Furthermore, ensure you select an appropriate power supply solution and verify that all components are securely fastened. This results in a system that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and reliable to use.

If you are planning to work with a Benson DIY watch winder module, it is advisable to carefully consider the design and how you intend to integrate the module beforehand. First, determine how many watches you wish to wind, the amount of space available, and the overall look you want to achieve. You can then decide on the optimal placement for the module, the individual motors, and the touchscreen. Once the module has been integrated into your project, it is important to thoroughly test its operation, paying close attention to factors such as stability, noise levels, direction of rotation, and the configured rotation cycles. Next, set the watch winder according to the recommendations for the specific watch and check that the system is functioning properly.

With a Benson DIY watch winder module, you gain significant freedom to create a personalized solution for your automatic watches. By combining high-quality winding technology, in the form of a ready-to-use module, with extensive integration options, you can develop a design that perfectly aligns with your technical and aesthetic preferences. Whether you are an individual looking to build a unique watch display case, or a professional seeking a luxury solution for an interior design, furniture, or safe-integration project, Benson offers compelling possibilities. You can merge your own creative vision with a reliable winding mechanism to develop a solution that stands apart from anything found in a standard, off-the-shelf product range. We would be happy to tell you more about the options available and assist you in selecting the ideal Benson DIY watch winder module for your specific project.

As a watch enthusiast, you have surely heard of a watch winder—an accessory designed to keep automatic watches wound. Collectors almost certainly own one to ensure their automatic timepieces don’t stop running. A watch winder is not just convenient; it is an absolute "must-have" if you own one or more automatic watches. After all, you want the best for your prized timepieces, don’t you?

There are many brands of watch winders that incorporate highly advanced technology, features that are both useful and a significant advantage. Examples include LED lighting, fingerprint locks, start-stop systems, touchscreens, and power-winding functions. Recently, app-controlled watch winders, devices that can be configured via an app on your smartphone, have gained some traction.

Interestingly, most brands that once introduced app-controlled models have since omitted this feature from their latest collections. The actual utility of an app-controlled watch winder is a subject of debate, especially considering that you pay a premium for this additional functionality.

Let’s look at how an app-controlled watch winder works. A "standard" watch winder is operated using physical buttons or a touchscreen. This is highly convenient and intuitive, as you can quickly and easily adjust settings with a simple touch and see the results immediately. Some brands also offer a remote control, which serves as a useful supplement to the onboard buttons or touchscreen.

With an app-controlled watch winder, the first step is to install the corresponding app on your smartphone. Next, you must connect your phone to the watch winder via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Once connected, you can select your preferred settings using your phone, essentially functioning just like a remote control. However, this process requires several additional steps: installing the app, establishing a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection, opening the app on your phone, and then configuring the settings. We find this cumbersome and time-consuming, especially since using an app offers no real added value. The simplest and most functional approach is to operate the watch winder using physical buttons, a touchscreen, or a dedicated remote control.

Another drawback concerns security. A connection between a phone and a watch winder via an app can introduce security risks; in principle, any device connected to Wi-Fi could potentially be accessed by third parties. Consequently, an app-controlled watch winder could serve as an entry point into your personal network, in other words, it could pose a threat from hackers.

Do we consider an app-controlled watch winder to be an improvement? The answer is no. While it may appear modern and high-tech, it provides no genuine benefit to the user and carries several disadvantages, such as a higher price point, a more complicated user experience, and potential security risks. We recommend using a watch winder that can be configured or operated via physical buttons or a convenient touchscreen on the device itself. After all, most users only need to set the desired rotation direction and TPD (turns per day) once; from then on, the accessory handles everything automatically, requiring no further attention.

Our advice is to keep your money in your pocket and opt for a high-quality watch winder from a reputable brand, while steering clear of models that are controlled via an app.