Barrington Watch Winders: Hands-On Review

Introduction to Barrington Watch Winders

As watch collections expand, keeping every timepiece wound and ready becomes a practical concern. Barrington Watch Winders, founded by Sean O’Farrell, emerged from a desire to offer high-quality, premium winders at accessible prices. Since launching its first single-watch winder in 2010, the brand has grown to include a comprehensive range, from compact single units to multi-watch safes. This article provides a hands-on look at two popular models: the Oxford Single Watch Winder and the 2 Watch Winder.

Barrington Oxford Single Watch Winder: Compact and Colorful

The Oxford Single Watch Winder is designed for simplicity and versatility. It features an ultra-quiet Japanese motor with multiple winding modes, including clockwise, counter-clockwise, and alternating directions. Users can adjust the rotations per day from 650 to 1,950, and when the winder stops, it positions the watch upright at 12 o’clock, creating an elegant display.

Two cushion sizes are available: the standard Omni cushion for wrist sizes 16.5–22 cm and the Micro cushion for 12.5–16.5 cm, ensuring a secure fit for various watch sizes. The winder comes in seven vibrant colors—black, blue, white, green, orange, red, and yellow—allowing collectors to match their décor or personal style.

Power is supplied via USB-C or AA batteries, and a convenient jump feature lets you connect multiple winders without extra power adapters. Whether you need to keep a perpetual calendar running or want a colorful display of several watches, the Oxford Single Watch Winder is both practical and fun.

Oxford Single Watch Winder Specifications and Pricing

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; jump feature for multiple winders
Functions: Clockwise, counter-clockwise, and alternate direction; adjustable rotations per day; 12 o’clock vertical resting position
Cushions: Omni (16.5–22 cm) / Micro (12.5–16.5 cm)
Price: £275

Barrington 2 Watch Winder: Security and Sophistication

The Barrington 2 Watch Winder elevates the concept with a carbon-fiber-effect exterior and two independently programmable Mabuchi motors from Japan. Like the Oxford, it offers adjustable winding directions and rotations per day, plus the 12 o’clock resting position. A unique “Gentle Rotation” mode winds intermittently for 12 hours and rests for 12, reducing wear on the watch. A “Quiet Cycle” is also available for quiet environments like bedrooms or offices.

Security is a highlight: the enclosed winder features a fingerprint lock with capacity for up to 20 fingerprints, which can be disabled if desired. The touch screen and remote control make operation easy, while integrated LED downlighters showcase your watches beautifully. A built-in storage drawer provides space for straps, jewelry, or other accessories.

2 Watch Winder Specifications and Pricing

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, alternate direction, adjustable rotations per day, 12 o’clock resting, gentle winding mode, fingerprint lock, storage tray, LED lighting
Controls: Touch screen and remote control
Cushions: Omni (16.5–22 cm) / Micro (12.5–16.5 cm)
Price: £599

Why Choose a Watch Winder?

Watch winders are essential for collectors with multiple automatics, especially those with complex calendars that are tedious to set. They keep your watches running and ready to wear, while also providing secure, stylish storage. Barrington’s offerings strike a balance between affordability and premium features, making them a solid choice for both new and seasoned collectors.

Authenticity and Buying Tips

When purchasing a Barrington watch winder, ensure you buy from authorized retailers to guarantee authenticity and warranty coverage. Check the model’s specifications, such as motor type and power options, to match your needs. For those with larger collections, consider models with higher capacity or additional security features like the fingerprint lock on the 2 Watch Winder.