Do you need one?
No.
Do you need a watch?
No.
Do you like having a watch?
Assuming since you are here you do.
Would you like having a Watch Winder?
It certainly would be nice to not have to set your PO when you switch(if the power reserve runs out)
Like most things a winder is more of a luxury item. If you have spare cash to throw around for one why not? Worst case scenario you sell it for a small loss.
I personally plan on investing in one for two(or more) of my watches. I am doing this because one is my work Seiko and I don't want to have to set the day and date and time when I'm running late to work. The other is my Bulova 666 which does not have a quickset date. This makes setting the date(which I am stickler for) a huge PITA. So I would like to keep it running.
As for your question about prolonging the movement's life...
Well keeping your watching running all the time will increase wear because it's... well running ALL THE TIME. Naturally a machine that is continually operated will wear faster than one that is not. However I don't think the wear is significant enough for you to worry if you stick to the regular/suggested service interval of every 5ish years.
If you want a more technical answer I know Al
(archer) has answered this question at least once in another thread. Some searching on OF should reveal the thread to you.
As for brands... I can't suggest because I don't have any. But Wolf seems to be the most common/well made. Doesn't hurt to try an inexpensive off-brand before spending a big hunk of change.
Hope I helped.
-JakeClick to expand...