The motors are quiet for their purpose...I can sometimes hear them late at  night  if I'm near it (according to my senses at that time) but it's a pleasant sound and I know its working.  The craftsmanship of the box itself and the hardware is 1st-rate.  The large size was surprising when it arrived, but it's an exquisite piece on my library shelf.  Lastly, the interior material & design is classy but not too much for we hard-core guys to appreciate (smile).  Lastly, the packing of this winder in the box is superb--they do it right! ...will soon surprise my adult son with one of these.