The benefits of an app-controlled watch winder

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.