Comments:
Photo: Underwood
Photo: SwissKubik
Photo: Delugs
Suggestions for a multi-watch winder and a watchbox.
I've now joined the ranks of those suffering from first world problems; too many watches to wind them manually.
I have 8 automatics (and another one coming in the summer, inshallah) and 3 manuals (on the hunt for 6119R for the wife too).
I would like to acquire a multi-watch winder for up to 10 watches (ok with 8, I guess) that has options for programmable modules (bi-directional, different speeds etc) and a display/glass screen. My understanding is that these can get pretty loud, so a relatively quiet example is necessary, or else my wife will chuck the winder+contents into the ocean. Any suggestions?
I am also looking for a good watchbox for the manual watches.
I am hoping that fellow purists can share their experiences/suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Hussam
Your post made me smile because I have a similar issue regarding finding a bigger watch box
Now regarding winders they are a many very good out there I use the Benson watch winder which I find to be a great value and great quality I have a limited edition red six watch winder but they also make bigger ones I have been using it for four years without any hitch.
I was also using their watch box which was an eight watch box as a store most of my watches in that box as opposed to the winder but now I’m in need of a much bigger box- hehehe
Buben & Zorweg
I owned a Buben Zorweg Vantage 8 Carbon for about 12 years. They don't come cheap though. The earlier edition from the 2000s had very weak plasticy holders which broke from normal usage and had to be replaced every 2 years. This drove me crazy over the years. I've sold it 2 years ago. The newer edition has an updated holder which shouldn't break. The service guys at Buben Zorweg were great as well. The Vantage comes in 4, 8, 12 watch holder variations from what I remember.
I was about to upgrade to the latest version, but.... In the meantime, I swapped to a normal 40 bucks watch case that holds 12 watches.
Good luck with your hunt.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I’ve had my current case (which holds 12) for almost 5 years now, but it was cheap and the cushions have frayed. Hence the need for buying a quality one.
Will check these guys out
Will check these guys out
Bought a Rapport last year which remains quite practical, and have two compact Wolf watch winders.
Though I hardly ever use the watch winders.
Thanks. They both look awesome.
Do you just enjoy winding your automatics, or wear them every day?
Thank you. I do enjoy winding them.
If I have to leave the time only watches I just manually wind on my return from travelling.
My experience as follows:
Underwood: I have had a 6 module cabinet for over 20 years. Very well made and not one module has failed since new
SwissKubik Masterbox: I have had 3 single units for well over 5 years. Very well made, programmable and reliable
Orbita: Again, 3 units since about 10 years. Unattractive, well engineered, reliable and a bit more affordable than above two brands
Wolf: They work until they break
If I was to buy more winders today, I would most likely lean towards the SwissKubik.
As to boxes, I don't have anything fancy but I recently purchased a new Delugs Zip Box. Well made, portable and compact but not suitable for large and thick watches.
Photo: Underwood
Photo: SwissKubik
Photo: Delugs
Ok here goes
Watch boxes - most of the good ones like Anthony Holt, Buben Zorweg, Smythson, Louis Vuitton (yes they make a beautiful finished but heavy box) and Bella Collezeoni come without a display window as the emphasis on these boxes is on the quality of the wood which has to be seen and felt to understand why they cost what they do. The LV has a canvas finish with leather trimmed and brass fittings. So I would recommend the next rung down ie a box by Wolf. You will not need a bank loan to buy one but it is a quality product.
Watch winder - for up to four watches, I would have recommended a Modalo (German made with a Japanese movement) which is ultra quiet so you could get two of these and you should be fine. Swiss Kubik is more expensive but are terribly reliable - my only issue with this brand is that most of the boxes come without a glass cover ie perfect for a safe but not so dust proof if kept outside a safe. If money and space are no object Hussam, I would thoroughly recommend winders from Bernard Favre. Based In Geneva, I was one of Bernard's first customers years ago when he introduced the three dimensional Planet winder which has to seen as it is a real spectacle. The winder works quietly on a rechargeable battery that only needs recharging once every 3 to 4 months. The only snag is that you will need to buy eight individual winders but place them altogether in a row and you will have your own private watch exhibition daily!
Watch winder - for up to four watches, I would have recommended a Modalo (German made with a Japanese movement) which is ultra quiet so you could get two of these and you should be fine. Swiss Kubik is more expensive but are terribly reliable - my only issue with this brand is that most of the boxes come without a glass cover ie perfect for a safe but not so dust proof if kept outside a safe. If money and space are no object Hussam, I would thoroughly recommend winders from Bernard Favre. Based In Geneva, I was one of Bernard's first customers years ago when he introduced the three dimensional Planet winder which has to seen as it is a real spectacle. The winder works quietly on a rechargeable battery that only needs recharging once every 3 to 4 months. The only snag is that you will need to buy eight individual winders but place them altogether in a row and you will have your own private watch exhibition daily!
Orbita would be my choice. They may not be as beautiful as others but that may be ok if it is not necessarily sitting out in the open vs. in a closet
The boss would prefer an “in a closet” set up.
So orbita isn’t out of the running. Thanks NN