Automatic watches are popular among collectors who admire the traditionalism and artisanship, but not the upkeep, of mechanical watches. However, when not in very frequent, if not every day, use, these watches wind down and eventually lose power. For collectors who don’t wear all their automatic watches often, the constant need for time resetting can become tedious.

Enter the watch winder: this machine is built to keep an automatic timepiece wound even when it’s not being worn. It moves the watch in specific patterns so that the weighted movement winds itself and never loses power: this way, the watch continues keeping impeccable time without interruption. Then the watch can be taken out and worn immediately whenever the owner sees fit without the timepiece having to be rewound and reset.

A watch winder can be a significant investment, so we’ve put together this checklist to help you decide whether a watch winder is really right for you.

1. Do you have one or more automatic watches that you don’t wear regularly?

Automatic watches were made for very frequent, almost everyday use, since their mechanisms are powered by the kinetic energy provided by the movement of your wrist. The automatic watch that you don’t wear regularly will wind itself down, lose power, and stop telling time until you wind it back up.

2. Do you spend a significant amount of time resetting automatic watch(es) that have wound down on their own?

Winding and setting an automatic watch is not at all difficult, but if you have to wind it every three or four days, it can get annoying, especially if you have two or more in rotation that need frequent winding. Some collectors enjoy the time they spend winding and caring for their watches, but others prefer the convenience of picking up a watch and wearing it without having to set it.

3. Would you spend at least $200 for a machine that could save that time for you?

While you could find a cheap watch winder for about $60, you’d run the risk of the machine breaking down within a month of use, or, in the worst-case scenario, the machine ruining the motor of your watch by moving it incorrectly for long periods of time. As such, you’d really need to make an investment into a watch winder to make sure it’s keeping your timepiece in good shape.

The price point for a good watch winder fluctuates based on the quality of the machine, the number of watches it can wind at once, and whether it has a warranty or not, since they need to be serviced every once in a while. A basic winder that can store one watch, is of decent quality, and has a limited warranty will run for about $200. Meanwhile, a luxury winder with enough storage for 12 watches, custom spin settings, lots of extra space and accessories, and an international warranty costs $9,000.

If you choose to spend for a watch winder, the price point will really come down to how much space and how many accoutrements you need.

If you answered NO to two or more of these questions, then you probably do not need a watch winder. However, if you answered YES to most of these questions, then you should consider looking into investing in one.

Interested in automatic watches? Contact our concierge service here for some guidance about which model is best for you, or peruse some of our suggestions below. 

Header image from SwissWinder.

The Rolex brand is arguably one of the most well-recognized watch brands in the world, and their models are just as iconic. The Rolex Daytona, Submariner, GMT-Master, and Day-Date are just some of the brand’s most distinguished models. However, a big part of their fame is their distinct and familiar design. As such, to put a personal touch on their Rolexes, or even just to update a vintage model, collectors will sometimes modify the watches’ designs. Once those modifications are made, the watch then becomes known as an after-market Rolex.

Defining After-Market

The line between after-market and genuine Rolexes is incredibly well defined in the watch collecting community: any alterations to a Rolex that have not been made by an authorized Rolex dealer will make that specific piece an after-market Rolex.

For example, if your watch’s dial gets damaged because you went swimming with the crown left open and it sustained water, it would still be considered a genuine Rolex if you brought the dial to an authorized dealer to be replaced. However, if you brought the watch to any old watch repair shop, the new dial would not be Rolex certified, and the watch as a whole would be considered after-market.

Aesthetic customizations, like the ones we outlined in this post, are almost always after-market because authorized Rolex dealers will not make alterations to watches that are not part of their original design. For that reason, collectors will take their timepieces to outside sources to have them customized with parts that are not Rolex-certified, rendering their watches after-market.

Is After-Market For You?

If you’re considering customizing your Rolex or purchasing a pre-owned model with after-market parts, you should know that there are caveats to consider. While watch customization can have its advantages, it also most certainly has its disadvantages.

The biggest advantage to customizing your own Rolex is that you get to make the watch suit your style perfectly. If you’re the type to prefer black watches or to show off a completely iced-out, diamond-studded timepiece, then these customizations make it so the watch expresses your taste perfectly and makes an extra-personal addition to your collection.

In addition to that, you could end up saving money by choosing to customize a watch rather than buy a more expensive version of it. For example, Rolex makes watches with diamond dials that are still considered genuine Rolexes because the dials are Rolex-certified and come from the brand’s factories. However, genuine Rolexes with diamond-studded dials cost significantly more than Rolexes with regular dials. Those who like the diamond-studded look can choose to customize a regular Rolex with a non-Rolex diamond dial and achieve a very similar look for less.

There are several problems with Rolex customization, however. If you customize a Rolex you bought from a dealer yourself, you end up voiding the watch’s warranty if you alter it soon enough after purchasing it. If you insist upon owning a custom watch, however, and are concerned about the warranty, you are far better off buying a pre-owned model that has already been customized. You may not get exactly the customization you want, but pre-owned watch and jewelry marketplaces often offer short warranties on products that are outside of their original manufacturer warranties, so you would at least have some protection for your custom timepiece.

If you intend to resell the watch, whether you bought it new and customized it yourself or bought it pre-owned, the value of the watch will generally decline because of the watch’s customizations. Considering the sunk cost of those customizations, this decline just puts you out of even more money than it would have if you were reselling a genuine Rolex.

When buying a watch pre-owned, be extremely wary of the vendor you’re purchasing from. The shadier vendors can sometimes charge much more for the watch than it’s really worth by marketing an after-market watch as a genuine Rolex, or even by switching cheaper, non-Rolex parts in for genuine Rolex parts and presenting the altered piece as authentic. To avoid scams like this, only shop at marketplaces that authenticate their watches and specifically mark every after-market part used in their timepieces.

TrueFacet’s team of experts authenticates every watch and piece of jewelry made available on our marketplace. If you would like to know more about our selection of after-market Rolexes, feel free to contact our concierge service for help here.

The holiday season is flying by and it’s now final countdown to December 25th. But there are still people on your Nice List and you haven’t even started shopping for their presents!

Breathe. Don’t panic.

Our editors picked their favorite gifts from TrueFacet Brand Boutique, all available for rush shipping. Order by December 21st so you can surprise them Christmas morning with an exquisite gift! Phew!

Dana Rebecca Designs
Dana Rebecca Designs’ collections carry an immediately personal look and feeling, making it a romantic gift for the holiday season. Double up the number of delicate rings, bracelets and pendants you gift so your fashionable loved one can mix and match, stack and separate them to suit their unique style.

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Frederique Constant
Frederique Constant watches are the perfect blend of trend-right minimalist design and exceptional Swiss craftsmanship. And, even better: these exquisitely-made watches are wallet-friendly and include smart-watch options. Win-win!

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Phillips House
Phillips House’s array of elegant cuffs and diamond-covered pendants strike a beautiful balance between being a striking statement piece and sleek enough to slip easily into any woman’s wardrobe, regardless of her day-to-day style.

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Questions about shipping? Feel free to email support@truefacet.com or call us at 1-800-690-3736 and a concierge associate can help track your package.

This past week, the TrueFacet team escaped the dreary New York winter and flew down to sunny Florida for a packed week at Art Basel Miami Beach.

Art Basel Miami Beach is a showcase of the world’s leading Modern and contemporary artists, alongside the next generation of the most promising creative minds. Since the global art show came stateside in 2002, Art Basel Miami Beach has attracted a cool cross section of talented modern artists and fashionable tastemakers and grown into a veritable celebration of fine arts and culture.

TrueFacet was honored to be a part of the festivities and to participate in three fun events. In case you didn’t catch us on Instagram Stories, here’s a recap of where our team was during Art Basel Miami Beach week!

El Cielo Sophisticated Dinner Experience with JetSmarter
The first night, our team spent the evening with our partner JetSmarter, the world’s largest private air travel marketplace where members can share and charter private flights.

Held at the posh dining room of El Cielo, celebrity chef Juan Manuel Barrientos wowed guests with his novel approach to Latin American fare that combines the region’s classic flavors and molecular gastronomy techniques. Barrientos served up a series of increasingly inventive courses, including milk chocolate syrup that was dripped onto guest’s hands and a delicate flat bread perched atop a tree sculpture.

Alongside the impressive spread was a display of TrueFacet’s bestsellers, handpicked by our merchandising team. Highlights included a rose gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and a Patek Philippe Calatrava watch. The fine watches were a handsome complement to the woodsy dining room and allowed guests to feast their eyes while they indulged in a sumptuous dinner.

 

LXNDO. Present Vintage
The following day, TrueFacet’s merchandise became an integral part of an interactive and immersive art experience: LXNDO. Present Vintage. Artist and TrueFacet client Lando Griffin (also known as The Suited Racer by his far-reaching social media following) redecorated the Brothers & Brawlers warehouse space as he imagines his living space in the year 2024.

Guests were invited to tour Griffin’s “apartment,” which was decorated with clean-lined mid-century furniture and paintings by Griffin himself. The room’s sleek decor also included a collection of watches from TrueFacet. A mix of pieces from Griffin’s actual vintage watch collection (procured through TrueFacet) and his favorite timepieces, the display included a Cartier Tank Solo Watch, a Panerai Luminor Marina PAM00279, and a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust II.

The Present Vintage art piece, and its incorporation of vintage watches, emphasized the adage, “The more things change, the more they stay the same,” as the world’s most coveted and beloved watch models have managed to transcend time, trends, and changing tastes.

 

Bagatelle Basel Brunch with Bradley Theodore
To close out the fun-filled week in Miami, TrueFacet hosted a private brunch with our friends at JetSmarter.

Guests were swept into the Euro-chic dining room of Bagatelle, a Miami hotspot revered for its lively brunch where diners dance on banquettes and sip on seemingly bottomless flutes of champagne. However, as many guests needed a soothing break from the go-go-go pace and late nights that are de rigeur at Art Basel Miami Beach, they were treated to a relaxing and lavish brunch—hold the dance party, but keep the champagne coming, please.

And, in honor of Art Basel Miami Beach, artist Bradley Theodore, known for his street art mural of Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld, created a live painting in front of mesmerized guests.

As plates of hearty sausage and eggs and the occasional indulgent truffle pizza were served, attendees tried on and shopped watches and fine jewelry from TrueFacet. The fan favorites were the Bulgari B.Zero1 collection, Omega Speedmaster Limited Edition “The Legend” Michael Schumacher and, of course, the new thinner Cartier Love Bracelet.

 

Thank you to all our partners and co-hosts and our incredible Miami-based shoppers who came out to toast Art Basel with us! If you weren’t able to attend this time around, join the fun and follow us on Instagram (@TrueFacet) where we share videos and snapshots of our team’s travels and events!

The DNA of the David Yurman brand lives in its signature helix motif: the sculptural cable design runs deep within the veins of every collection, coloring every individual design with a graceful yet utilitarian streak that makes it uniquely Yurman. To help you navigate this brand’s wonderful collections and guide you towards the best David Yurman purchase for you, we’ve put together this “cheat sheet” based on the brand’s most popular pieces.

David Yurman Cable Classics Bracelet

David Yurman purists will love the design that started it all. Released in 1983, the first Cable bracelet became the roots from which all of Yurman’s other collections grew. Replete with movement and texture, this original makes for the perfect foundation piece in a blossoming jewelry collection.

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David Yurman Crossover Earrings

This dynamic accessory combines the brilliance of pavé diamonds and the sleek cable design to create an air of elegance that fits any situation. From a black tie dinner to a busy day at the office, these earrings could take you through all of your important moments and add a subtle touch of shine to your ensemble, perfect for the woman who does it all.

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David Yurman Albion Ring

For the trendsetter and the statement maker, the David Yurman Albion Ring would make a perfect focal piece. The vibrant, checkerboard-cut gemstones at the heart of the Albion ring attract the eye and contribute a healthy dose of color to a jewelry collection. The eye is then drawn to the cable detail in the ring’s halo and in the band, adding a sense of depth and contrast into the piece.

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David Yurman Chatelaine Pendant Necklace

The die-hard minimalist will adore David Yurman’s Chatelaine Pendant Necklace. The simple chain and cabochon pendant are a classic, lowkey combination that would add a subtle touch of color to your wardrobe. The claw-like prong setting of the gemstone gives the piece a bit of an edge, and the cable detail in the bail and the setting recall Yurman’s signature motif.

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David Yurman Cable Watch

The collector who mixes fashion with function will love the David Yurman Cable Watch. A piece that embodies the best of both worlds, the Cable Watch was designed to be “a bracelet that also tells the time.” The unobtrusive, mother-of-pearl face of the watch never distracts from the equally-significant cable bracelet, and the rounded square case complements the bracelet’s spiral design beautifully. This timepiece would speak well to the efficient fashionista.

CHANEL’s watch collection carries through the French brand’s identity with its provocative designs and by tapping into the maison’s signature motifs. We take a closer look at the history of CHANEL’s watches and how their watches, and the J12 model in particular, has grown into one of the most hotly-coveted accessories for the fashion elite.

CHANEL Watches Debut
The CHANEL watch collection premiered in 1987 with the appropriately named PREMIÈRE watch. The watch’s unconventional design was inspired by the Place Vendome, the iconic square in the heart of Paris. This particular piece of urban design is distinguished for its clipped corners that give the square its unique octagonal shape. This architectural influence was combined with design concepts from CHANEL’s No5 perfume bottle and its cabochon stopper to complete the PREMIÈRE’s design.

On the heels of this debut, CHANEL opened its first watch boutique at 40 Avenue Montaigne in Paris’s posh shopping district.

Over the years, CHANEL’s watch business flourished with the acquisition of Manufacture C&F Chatelain in Switzerland. In turn, CHANEL expanded Chatelain’s factory floors to make room for the growing collection. Soon after, in 1997, another boutique opened in Paris at 18 Place Vendome, across from the Ritz Hotel where Mademoiselle Chanel historically resided.

The J12 Collection
In 2000, CHANEL released the J12 Collection. The watch’s all-black design was sleek, sporty and struck all the right chords with CHANEL fans. But the J12’s most distinguishing feature was the use of ceramic as its core material, a novel material choice in watchmaking. The elegantly cool J12 nearly immediately became a commercial sensation and was considered by tastemakers as one of the most iconic modern watches. CHANEL followed up the success of the J12 with an all-white version in 2003.

In 2005, CHANEL upped its watchmaking competition with the J12 Tourbillion and entrée into the world of grande complications, the upper echelon of watchmaking and movements. The limited edition J12 Tourbillion included a hand-wound mechanical tourbillon movement with the first ever ceramic main plate.

Today, the CHANEL J12 as developed an impressive celebrity following including actress Blake Lively, supermodel Alessanda D’Ambrosio and tennis star Anna Kournikova.

CHANEL’s Watchmaking Accolades
Since the J12’s celebrated release, CHANEL’s watch manufacturing has grown into a real force in the world of watchmaking, releasing novel complications and world firsts. 2010 saw the launch of the J12 Retrograde Mysterieuse; this complicated design featured a retractable vertical crown at the 3 o’clock marker.

In 2012, CHANEL released its Première Flying Tourbillon and was named the Best Ladies Watch at the Grand Prix d’Horologerie de Genève. The following year, CHANEL was awarded the Artistic Crafts Watch Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horolgerie de Genève for their Mademoiselle Privé Camélia Brodé.

To explore more of CHANEL’s accessories, check out our post The History of CHANEL Jewelry here.

Tiffany and Co.’s cultural significance has been incredibly well-documented throughout history: from the Breakfast at Tiffany’s movie that won the hearts of millions in 1961 to the signature robin’s egg blue that colors every box and bag that exits the stores, Tiffany’s long history has been imbibed with iconic imagery that has made it a staple in American luxury culture. Beneath all that, however, lies a creative spirit that inspires timeless collections with youthful and current twists. To help you navigate this brand’s many beautiful collections and guide you towards the best Tiffany & Co. purchase for you, we’ve put together this “cheat sheet” based on the brand’s most popular pieces.

Return to Tiffany Collection
This is the collection for the Tiffany’s purist. Many of the designs are relatively young, and more recent models have an element of playfulness incorporated into them. However, at its core, the Return to Tiffany’s collection truly reflects the classic, uncluttered sensibilities of modest jewelry from the early 20th century. The pieces from this collection are sure to speak to someone with a penchant for simple but significant jewelry.

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The Atlas Collection
For fans of structural pieces, the Atlas collection from Tiffany & Co. is the pinnacle of jewelry design. Art Deco’s heavy-handed influence in this collection is incredibly demonstrable in the pieces’ hard, bold lines. With the simple Roman numeral motif that decorates every piece, this collection becomes simultaneously striking yet unobtrusive. Any of the Atlas pieces would make an interesting addition to a vintage-lover’s jewelry collection.

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The Infinity Collection
The subtle, graceful lines of the Tiffany & Co. Infinity collection would undoubtedly appeal to any hopeless romantic. The iconic infinity symbol has become replete with sentiment and meaning, and this collection plays into it with an attractive dose of daintiness. A piece from the Infinity collection would round out a sophisticated jewelry collection beautifully.

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Elsa Peretti
The Elsa Peretti collection is lavish with organic forms and shapes. These pieces are a study in diversity: with their animate curves that flow into designs like leaves, teardrops, and heart shapes, pieces from Tiffany’s Elsa Peretti collection would add a subtle, natural elegance to your ensemble.

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Paloma Picasso
With her Tiffany & Co. collection, Paloma Picasso marries the world of high art with the world of jewelry. Early pieces in this collection borrow from the cubist sensibilities that made the works of Paloma’s father, Pablo Picasso, so famous: their sharp lines and abstract air are clearly an homage to the art she was exposed to growing up. Newer pieces claim roots in Greco-Roman styles by playing with the signature olive wreath motif and bold lines and cuts native to Greek and Roman architecture. Whether the design is cubist or classicist, however, a piece from the Paloma collection is sure to wow any lover of art.

TrueFacet wants to keep all our shoppers and readers informed of the latest trends and industry news and to introduce you to new opinions and perspectives in the world of fine jewelry and watches. In turn, we’re bringing on board a handful of fresh expert voices, including watch and horology consultant Sophy Rindler. Stay tuned for interviews with even more industry movers and shakers on The Loupe!

The global community of watchmakers, collectors and aficionados is a remarkably tight-knit crew—but the industry landscape is changing and growing. More independent brands are emerging, legacy brands are evolving to appeal to modern tastes and a new generation of younger collectors is taking a strong interest in the tradition of watch collecting.

And a notable mover and shaker in this expanding space is Sophy Rindler. Sophy is a well-known name and face in the industry and has an incredible knack for bringing together key players in the horology industry.

Born and raised in Paris, France, Sophy moved stateside in 1998 after earning her master’s degree in psychology. After working in the medical field, Sophy made an unlikely career move and partnered with a prominent Venezuelan jeweler, building the jeweler’s international client base and meeting with retailers and manufacturers. Throughout her tenure, Sophy’s interest in watches steadily grew and ultimately became the focus of her career.

Sophy went on and co-founded the Watches Art Gallery (WAG) in Geneva, a non-profit organization aimed at bringing widespread recognition to the tradition and art of fine watchmaking. She soon after became the head of the Miami chapter of RedBar, a nationally prominent watch collector’s club. Most recently, Sophy co-created the watch brand Tockr, a collection of Swiss-made watches with unique dials inspired by the Golden Age of American aviation. Sophy also has an impressive roster of private collectors who seek out her expertise to help build their own watch collections. As if all that wasn’t enough, Sophy is also a member of the TrueFacet team. Through her vast network, she has helped traditional watch brands open up their ecommerce channels through TrueFacet Brand Boutique.

We sat down with Sophy to chat about—no surprise here—watches and her #1 expert tips for new and veteran watch collectors.

Name: Sophy Rindler

Hometown: Paris, France

Current Residence: Miami, Florida

First Watch Purchase: My first watch purchases were numerous before I became part of the industry. However, the most important and significant one has been my Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in rose gold with a diamond bezel. It was intended for a client. But when I saw it, I immediately became obsessed with it and couldn’t stop putting it on my wrist. My business partner back then told me that I should keep it and that we would find another one for our client. And she said something I will never forget: “This watch will be your key to being recognized in the industry. If you want to sell high-end watches, you need to wear one.” She was right. It has since become my favorite watch in my collection.

Most Recent Watch Purchase: Chronometre Bleu (FP Journe)

Your Dream Watch: Paul Newman Daytona (6241 or 6239)

The Moment You were Hooked on Watches: In 2015, when I created the WAG (Watches Art Gallery) in Geneva, I discovered all the independent watchmakers and their incredible creations that were unlike anything I had ever seen before.

#1 Tip for Newbie Collectors: Buy what you like and not what you think will get you a return on your investment.

#1 Tip for Seasoned Collectors: Don’t buy vintage watches unless you are being advised by one of the few experts that exist in the world.

 

Main image courtesy of Hodinkee.