zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

: I would like to buy a watch winder for my two
: Seamasters. I want a simple, rectangular
: wood box. Something as close to a classic
: mahogany watch case as I can get is what I'm
: looking for. But with two winders of course.

: I've done tons of basic searches on Yahoo,
: Google, and EBay for watch winders and pull
: up everything from $100 to $1000 or more
: depending on the winder. I know to get a
: winder that turns both clockwise and
: counterclockwise as well as one that does
: not run continuously. All I seem to be able
: to find in wood, have an angled top front
: edge with recessed glass. I don't hate
: these, but I don't "love" them
: either.

: What's the difference in a $150 dollar winder
: like the one from Brookstone.com and some of
: the others I have found that look just like
: it for $400 to $600?

: Does anyone know where I can find a nice winder
: that will last as long as my watches but
: wont cost me an arm and a leg?

: Thanks for any suggestions.

: RW

I have been through a lot of different winders over the years, and the real problem is that you "get what you pay for". I know a gentleman who had that Brookstone model and found that the motor just died on him within a year after purchase. Likewise, I bought a cheap "no-name" winder on ebay that died within a year, and I had problems with the Sharper Image winders after a few months. Right now I am using Steinhausen winders. Although they are cheap (less than $50 for a single winder on ebay), so far they have been running great for me (fingers crossed).

You seem to be looking for something that is going to last a long time (as long as the watch may be an impossible task, though). If so, Orbita is considered the best, and they do offer specials on their website. If and when these Steinhausen models die on me, I will not waste any more money on cheap winders. I'll fork out the cash and buy an Orbita, since their quality and customer service is top tier.

One other suggestion - I bought three SINGLE watch winders from Steinhausen since, if the motor breaks (which is always what breaks), I still have two other winders to use. If you buy a dual winder and the motor breaks, now you're stuck not being able to wind ANY watches. If you buy from a top tier company like Orbita, then I wouldn't worry, but if you go the cheap route like me, I highly suggest buying single watch winders.

Best of luck to you,
John