Abstract: An apparatus for winding strand of glass fiber filaments is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one takeup collet on which a strand of glass fiber filaments is wound, a guiding mechanism for guiding an end portion of the strand which has started being drawn off from a spinning bushing to a predetermined position below the spinning bushing on a stream of a water, and an auxiliary winder mechanism rotatable for catching and winding the guided end portion of the strand. The auxiliary winder being moved toward said takeup collet when the end portion of the strand is under a condition capable of being transferred onto the takeup collet for bringing the strand into contact with the takeup collet within a winding zone of the takeup collet. An associated method therefor is also disclosed.