Yes automatic watches should be wound Heres how & why

Winding Your Self Winding Watch
 
You have just purchased a new automatic timepiece that is self winding or you currently own one.
You may have never been told this, but you should have been along with how to care for your investment.
 
ALL self-winding or automatic watches should be wound on a frequent basis.  Just once a week would be very beneficial to the care and maintenance of your timepiece.
 
Your crown, if it does NOT screw in will likely wind at the closest position to the case.  You may move clockwise, counterclockwise or back and forth, whatever is comfortable for you.  Winding approximately 40 turns will fully wind your mainspring.  You generally cannot overwind an automatic watch.
 
Your crown, if it DOES screw in will, after the first twist out land in the first position which will be the winding position.  Follow the same procedure as above.
 
Winding your timepiece will maintain lubricants in your movement and will keep a full ‘reserve’ on your mainspring which will allow for better accuracy in timekeeping.  As watches age, they may not maintain the standard 35 to40 hour power reserve as they did when new.  Winding your watch will help to extend the duration on your mainspring in the event your watch is without movement for 12 hours or more.