Watch Winder-SWI4

Beautiful winder. Fit and finish are impeccable. Motors are absolutely silent. This review is for the 4-watch winder. I also own a Chiyoda 2-watch winder and am very happy with both.Unlike other reviewers, mine arrived well packed and in very good shape -- and this is after being forwarded from the US to an address overseas. I should add that one of my Chiyoda winders i’ve had for nearly a year and haven’t had a bit of trouble with either the 2-watch or the 4-watch winder.The point of a winder is to keep an automatic watch ticking. Keeping an automatic watch wound and ticking is just better for the internal mechanism. Doing so keeps the lubricants properly dispersed throughout the movement, greatly extending the period between servicing. If you own an automatic, you should own a winder, and these Chiyoda winders are an outstanding value.If you wonder if a Chiyoda winder will work with your watch, go to Orbita’s watch movement database and look up your model. Orbita will tell you the turns-per-day for your movement and whether those turns should be clockwise, counter clockwise, or both. A Chiyoda winder will almost certainly support your watch. The only watch I know of that doesn't play nice with automatic winders are the Seiko automatics. Seiko uses a different type of cam in their winding mechanism.The drawback of watch windersSome people argue that winders are not good for automatic watches. They put forth the argument that running a watch 24/7 causes undue wear on the gear train. This is false. If the watch is properly lubricated, there will be very little wear on the gears and running the watch insures lubricants remain properly distributed throughout the movement. The only time you need to use caution is if you own a vintage automatic. Be mindful that a winder could possibly over wind your main spring, and if this happens, you’ll need to visit a repair shop. In modern automatics this isn’t a concern. Watch makers have been including safeties in their movements for years that prevent over-winding. In any event, the Chiyoda winders offer enough turns-per-day options that over-winding can easily be avoided. If in doubt, err on the side of caution — set it for fewer turns per day.Chiyoda winders are a great value for the money. Couldn’t be happier and wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

Really happy to take a chance on this. I had a Wolf Roadster previously and as the collection dwindled I decided I didn't need an expensive winder. Fast forward a few months and the collection grew again, so I wanted a winder. I initially looked at the double winder, but decided the quad winder was too good to pass up at the price.The winder was packed very well (double boxed) and arrived in perfect condition. It is extremely intuitive to use. I initially was concerned about the pads not 'locking' like Wolf winders, but it really functions just fine, even with a heavy 44mm diver on leather loaded into one of the spots. It is extremely quiet (would go so far to call it silent). The fit and finish probably is a 90/100 compared to a Wolf, but at the price point, it is more than adequate and looks good on the bedroom dresser. I particularly like how the screen faces the top, so that when I adjust it when I take my watch off late at night the brightness doesn't bother anyone else in the room. If you're on the fence between this and a Wolf, I'd recommend getting this one and putting the rest of the money towards your next watch or accessory.

Shipping was quick, price point was great, control panel easy to use. My only minor complaint was that some of the edges were rough.Also note, on the main panel, which looks very nice, there are four holes (2 on the left side and 2 in the right sides). These holes are covered up with stickers in the same pattern as the main weaved looking panel (see attached pics). I assume they cover up screws so you can access the motors. They even include an extra set of stickers.These holes are not shown on the product pics so be aware. Overall, it's a nice winder for the price point. You're not paying for a Wolf or Orbita so don't expect that. The stickers, though, look tacky to have on such a nice display panel.