As we get more involved in watch collecting, the accumulation of various accessories becomes inevitable. What may start as an additional strap or bracelet for your favourite watch will likely evolve into a smattering of horologically themed paraphernalia, not to mention all the additional watches that get added to the collection along the way. As the collection grows, the time between each watch getting worn also grows, meaning the mainspring will wind down to a halt before that watch is worn again. While some of us enjoy winding and setting our watches before putting them on, others prioritise having their watch wound and ready to go.
This is especially true for complex calendar timepieces, for example, as setting them can be quite the task, and setting a perpetual calendar incorrectly can result in a hefty service bill. Whether you find winding and setting your watch a tedious inconvenience, or you have a complicated watch or two that you’d like to keep running, watch winders are a convenient accessory that could greatly enhance your enjoyment of watch collecting.
And improving your watch-owning experience is what Barrington Watch Winders is all about. Barrington Watch Winders was founded by Sean O’Farrell, a seed investor in Jura Watches. Sean set out to create a watch winder for the business because he found the offerings at the time quite limited. Sean then set out to create high-quality, premium winders at affordable prices, and thus Barrington Watch Winders was born, releasing its first single-watch winder in 2010 and making Jura Watches one of the first authorised Barrington retailers.
Today, Barrington has expanded its product line to include a full range, from single watch winders to large multi-watch winders and safes. We’ve managed to get hands-on with Barrington’s updated Oxford Single Watch Winder and 2 Watch Winder.
Barrington Oxford Single Watch Winder
The updated Oxford Single Watch Winder keeps things pretty simple. Barrington utilises an ultra-quiet Japanese motor to power the winder, which has multiple settings allowing for clockwise, counter-clockwise, and alternating direction winding. The number of rotations per day can also be adjusted, ranging from 650 to 1,950 turns per day. When the winder stops, it orients the watch upright at the 12 o’clock position, creating a pleasant presentation of your timepiece when the winder is not turning. The Oxford Single Watch Winder comes with two cushions: the standard “Omni cushion” for wrist sizes 16.5- 22 cm, and the “Micro cushion” for wrist sizes 12.5- 16.5 cm.
To make things a bit more fun, Barrington offers the Oxford Single Watch Winder in seven different colours: black, blue, white, green, orange, red, and yellow. Collectors can pick their favourite colour, or match it to their watch. The winder is powered by either a USB-C cable or AA batteries. There is also a jump feature that allows connecting multiple winders without additional power supplies. Whether it is to keep your complicated timepiece running, or to connect multiples in different colours for a fun display of your collection, the Oxford Single Watch Winder makes for a practical and versatile winder that keeps your watch (or watches) wound and safely stored.
Barrington Oxford Single Watch Winder pricing and availability
The Barrington Oxford Single Watch Winder is now available to purchase at Barrington’s online boutique. Price: £275.
Model
Oxford Single Winder
Colours
Black, Blue, White, Orange, Green, Yellow, or Red
Dimensions
12cm width x 12.5cm height x 19cm depth
Weight
800g
Winding motor
Ultra-quiet Japanese Motor
Power Supply
USB-C cable or AA batteries. Jumping feature to connect multiple winders
Functions
Clockwise, counter-clockwise, and alternate direction winding. Adjustable rotations per day. 12 o’clock vertical resting position
Cushions
Omni-cushion (16.5- 22 cm) and Micro-cushion (12.5- 16.5 cm)
Availability
Now
Price
£275
Barrington 2 Watch Winder
The Barrington 2 Watch Winder ups the ante in more ways than just having slots for two watches. The closed display has a carbon-fibre-effect exterior and two independently programmable Mabuchi motors from Japan. The winders allow for the same directional and frequency adjustments as the Oxford Single Watch Winder, along with the 12 o’clock vertical resting position. The Mabuchi motors in the 2 Watch Winder also feature a “Gentle Rotation” winding method, intermittently winding the watches for 12 hours and then resting for 12 hours, preventing unnecessary wear and tear on the watch. There is also a “Quiet Cycle,” ideally used in office spaces, bedrooms, or dressing rooms.
If additional security is a concern for your next watch winder purchase, the Barrington 2 Watch Winder is one to consider. The enclosed winder features a fingerprint lock with up to 20 programmable fingerprints. That way, you can allow your loved ones access to your watches or keep them out if desired. This feature can also be disabled, should the extra step to open the case feel unnecessary. The winder’s functions can be controlled via the touch screen or via the included remote control. Integrated into the case are LED downlighters, keeping your watches clearly displayed. Below the winders is a built-in storage drawer, ideal for additional straps, accessories, and jewellery.
Barrington 2 Watch Winder pricing and availability
The Barrington 2 Watch Winder is now available to purchase at Barrington’s online boutique. Price: £599.
Model
2 Watch Winder
Colours
Carbon-fiber effect
Dimensions
23.5cm width x 26.5cm height x 18.5cm depth
Weight
4kg
Winding motor
Ultra-quiet Mabuchi Japanese Motor
Power Supply
USB-C cable with UK, US, and EU adapters
Functions
Clockwise, counter-clockwise, and alternate direction winding, adjustable rotations per day, 12 o’clock vertical resting position, gentle winding mode with 12-hour cycles, fingerprint lock, additional storage tray, integrated LED display lighting
Controls
Touch screen and remote control
Cushions
Omni-cushion (16.5- 22 cm) and Micro-cushion (12.5- 16.5 cm)
Availability
Now
Price
£599
Made in partnership with Barrington. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial policy.