Let’s talk about winding time in terms of Turns Per Day rather than minutes or hours (TPD). This is the number of times the internal rotor must be turned each day in order to keep the watch wound. The majority of automatic watches require 500 to 800 TPD, however some with larger power reserves demand 1300 TPD. A Rolex President, for example, requires approximately 600 TPD. Many other brands, including Rolex, are intended to wind in both ways. Other watches, on the other hand, only wind in one direction, which can be clockwise or counterclockwise. Many Patek Philippe watches, for example, only wind in the opposite direction. Chronographs with a Valjoux 7750 movement must have at least 800 TPD and wind exclusively clockwise. To fulfill these various requirements, the best-engineered Watchwinders are programmable for both TPD and rotation orientation.
Is it necessary for me to leave my watch winder on all the time?
How long do I have to wind the watch or may I leave it in the winder? You are free to leave your watch in the winder as long as you choose. Your watch will never be overwound thanks to our gentle rotation approach of one-minute rotation intervals for no more than twelve hours followed by a twelve-hour break.
Will a watch winder damage my timepiece?
In most cases, the answer is no. Your watch is unlikely to be damaged if the winder only turns a certain number of times per day, known as the TPD (turns per day). A widespread misunderstanding is that the winder keeps the watch mainspring fully wound, and that repeatedly pumping energy into it could cause damage.
How do watch winders get their power?
We need to clarify how automatic watches function in general before we can adequately explain how watch winders work. An automated watch winds itself by the movement of the weight inside the watch. This rotating weight rotates in sync with the motions of the person who wears it.
If an automatic watch isn’t being worn, it isn’t being wound, according to this argument. The following is a rundown of how watch winders work:
- When the owner of the watch does not intend to wear it that day, they gently set it in the watch winder.
- After securing the watch in the winder, make the necessary adjustments to the winder’s controls, as directed by the winder maker. Rotation direction, turns per day (TPD), length of operation, and other factors may be considered. For more information on winding direction and TPD, consult your watch’s manual. You can’t seem to locate that information in your manual? Take a look at this helpful guide.
- After that, the watch winder will be turned on. Watch winders are powered by batteries or AC power, thus they must be turned on by pressing a button or hooked into a power source.
- Before pausing, the watch winder will proceed to imitate the movements and motions of a human wrist. The frequency and duration of pauses are determined on your TPD settings, although typical watch winders will rotate for 30 seconds to one minute before pausing.
- When the owner desires to put their watch back on their wrist, they will remove it from the watch winder.
How long do watch winder batteries last?
In general, watch winders are supposed to work when they are plugged in. Some models include a battery power option, however due to the limited battery life, we’re not sure if it’s truly practical. Two D batteries used to power four watch winder rotors have a normal battery life of roughly 4-5 weeks. You should consider replacing your battery on a monthly basis.
Compact watch winders that may be stored in a safe benefit from the battery power option. If you have a valuable or collector watch, you can keep it safe and ready to wear.
How long should a watch winder be used?
Your automatic watch winder is a stunning combination of aesthetics and precision, as well as craftsmanship and utility. It’s a lovely storage box and a prestige piece that also works in a very careful and precise manner to keep your automatic watch fully wound even when you’re not wearing it. Furthermore, your automated watch winder will eventually pay for itself. This is due to the inherent nature of automatic watches. To function properly, these clocks must be wound. Their lubricants will stop flowing if they quit. In the long term, this may necessitate a time-consuming and costly factory overhaul of the watch. The method you’ve selected, which is to utilize an automatic watch winder, is far superior. You may make this device a regular part of your routine after you grasp how it works. You will never have to deal with the frustration of putting your automatic watch on your wrist only to discover that it has stopped working and that you must go through the arduous process of resetting all of its features.
It’s likely that you’re not aware with how an automated watch winder operates. In layman’s terms, an automatic watch winder is a jewelry box with a motor and a microprocessor that rotates the watch in a predetermined pattern. Today’s winders all have a security feature that prevents them from ever over-winding a watch. Some types are solely powered by AC, while others can also be powered by batteries. You may even buy winders that can hold up to six automatic clocks at once, each with its own set of settings. Turns per day is maybe the most important notion to comprehend when it comes to automatic watch winders (TPD). Your timepiece, whether worn on your wrist or wound on a winder, must be turned many times throughout the day. When a person is actively going about his day, this happens quickly; if he is sedentary, it happens more slowly. The function of a watch winder is to make a specific number of TPD to replicate the actions of the human wrist. The exact amount your timepiece requires will be specified by the manufacturer; consequently, it’s a good idea to consult the user manual. Most automatic watches, on the other hand, require anywhere between 650 and 950 TPD.
Your watch winder will rest for a specified number of minutes between rotations, depending on your TPD setting. In general, most winders typically spin for 30 seconds to a minute before stopping. The TPD setting determines how long the winder rests for. Your watch, for example, could need to be wound 10 times in 30 seconds. The automatic winder would have to switch on 65 times per day if it requires 650 TPD to perform properly. You would divide 1440 by 65 to get 22 because there are 1440 minutes in a day. That means every 22 minutes, the automated winder will complete its whole cycle.
Another factor to consider is the direction in which your watch winder rotates. These can be clockwise, counterclockwise, or bi-directional in nature. Again, the manufacturer’s specs will provide the most accurate indication of how your timepiece responds to certain stimuli. If you own many automatic watches and have acquired a winder that can fit two or four of them at once, it almost certainly features a “auto-alternating” feature that allows the mechanism to rotate in both directions automatically.
If you don’t have access to your watch’s user manual for any reason, or if you just want to play about, here are some more extensive instructions for setting up your timepiece with your new automatic watch winder:
- Start by manually winding your watch by twisting the crown 20 to 30 times, as your winder will not wind a watch that has completely stopped.
- Place your watch in the winder with care, making sure it is completely seated in the holder. TPD should then be adjusted to the lowest value and bi-directional rotation mode selected.
- Turn on the winder. Check the watch for the next 48 hours or so to see if it is still tracking accurate time. Automatics, in general, have about 40 hours of reserve from the time they are wound. If the time is still correct after two days, you’ve found the perfect setting and don’t need to explore any further.
- If the time is incorrect, change to the next TPD setting and repeat the process.
- Set the winder to only revolve clockwise and repeat the operation if the time is off.
- If the time is off, rotate the clock simply counterclockwise and repeat the operation.
As you can see, synchronizing your automatic watch with your winder might be a time-consuming process at first. A considerable amount of trial and error is involved. You’ll never have to guess again once you understand what your clock wants and how your winder can offer it with the full winding it needed. If you notice that your watch runs better on your wrist than on the winder, double-check that your TPD and directional settings haven’t been modified by accident. If they’re in the right place, you might need to have your watch serviced. This is due to the fact that the lubricants in a watch that does not work in its winder may be congealing. In this scenario, taking your watch to a reputable jeweler and maybe returning it to the manufacturer is recommended.
Your automatic watch, on the other hand, is meant to provide you with many years of dependable and precise service. Maintaining this performance can be as simple as using an automatic winder to keep your clock running at all times. We’re confident that you’ll like your automated watch winder’s elegance and functionality for a long time.
Is it possible to overwind an automatic watch?
It is impossible to wind an automated watch more than once. The rotor inside the timepiece will simply cease spinning if the watch is fully charged. When the mainspring can no longer be coiled, automatic watches are intended to stop powering it. Overwinding an automatic clock is impossible.
If you have a manual timepiece, it’s critical to keep it properly wound if you want to get the most out of it. A manual watch will not be damaged if it is fully wound because the pieces are rather strong and difficult to break. If you aren’t going to wear your watch for a few days, keep it fully wound to preserve all of the settings.
The only way a manual watch can be broken is if you ignore the watch resistance and keep winding it. It’s possible to over-wind your watch without realizing it if it’s already in bad shape.
Is it worthwhile to invest in a watch winder?
Collectors who own timepieces with complicated calendar displays are generally advised to use winders. A perpetual calendar, a full calendar, an annual calendar, and even a moon-phase display will all benefit from being wound on a winder on a regular basis.
How many rotations does a Rolex require per day?
Watches are more popular than ever before, and it’s not only because we need to keep track of the time. Wearing a fine watch is a fashion statement in and of itself, and the finer the watch, the more stunning the statement. Of course, in the realm of watches, nothing beats a Rolex for elegance and spectacle. A Rolex screams prosperity and luxury.
It goes without saying that the owner of a Rolex need a budget that corresponds to the costs of maintaining this valued asset in the best possible shape. So, if you’re lucky enough to have a Rolex in your collection, you’ll want the greatest tools to preserve it in top condition. With this in mind, we believe that a watch winder is a better choice than a plain watch case, as it not only protects but also enhances the whole functionality of the timepiece.
Let’s take a look at some of the characteristics that your ideal watch winder should possess. We’ll also go over the basics of watch winders if you’re not familiar with them.
Rotor Winding Direction As you look through the different winders, you’ll come across terminology like clockwise, counterclockwise, and bi-directional, which all refer to the rotor winding direction.
Turns Per Day – A minimum number of turns per day is required to maintain a watch fully wound. This will differ from one watch to the next and from one winder to the next.
BEST PROGRAMMABLE WATCH WINDERS
It’s important to look over the specifications of any watch winder you’re considering. Being well-informed will aid you in making decisions. You’ll find out if this particular winder can be programmed in the list of specifications.
If you’re searching for a winder expressly for a Rolex, we recommend getting one that is programmed because it gives you additional options, such as setting the number of turns each day and winding direction.
POWER SOURCE
There are only two things to figure out here: if your watch winder runs on AC power or DC power from a battery or batteries. Your choice should be based on how you’ve set up your collection. A battery-powered winder would likely be your best option if you require some flexibility, since you can move it around your home or office as needed or put it in your safe. If you are considering a multiple head winder, on the other hand, a winder that requires mains power will be more useful. If you’re building a Rolex collection, a multiple head winder will come in in.
AESTHETICALLY PLEASING
We’ve already extolled the virtues of Rolex watches, so if your collection is exclusively Rolex, it’s well worth investing in a winder that will complement your timepieces and the surroundings in which they’re displayed. As you select the next addition to your watch collection, keep all of these aspects in mind.
HOW DO I SET A WATCH WINDER FOR A ROLEX?
To stay fully wound during the day, a Rolex watch normally requires roughly 650 TPD (turns per day). Most modern watches require a setting of roughly 750 TPD, hence this is considered a common setting for a watch winder. The fact that it’s a bit more than Rolex requires won’t be a problem, so there’s no reason to be concerned.
It’s very simple to wind a Rolex wrongly if the watch winder isn’t set correctly, but if you manually wind the watch first and then place it in the winder, everything will work out well when your initial manual wind fades, the winder will take over and get it back to where it needs to be.
WHICH WINDER DIRECTION IS BEST FOR MY ROLEX? (CLOCKWISE ETC.)
The majority of Rolex watches are bidirectional, which means they can be wound both clockwise and counterclockwise. As you can see from the table below, some of the most popular models on the market today all have the same winding parameters.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of turns per day and winding direction.
HOW LONG SHOULD I LEAVE MY ROLEX ON THE WATCH WINDER?
As an example, let’s look at a Rolex Submariner, but the same principle applies to any watch. This is a popular model, and like other watches in a collection, it may only be worn on rare occasions if only taken out for special events. This infrequent use can cause the watch to stop working. The Submariner is equipped with a 3135 caliber bi-directional motor that requires a minimum of 650 TPD. Fortunately, most winders can handle 750 TPD, as we’ve already mentioned. We recommend setting your winder to as close to 650 TPD as possible, regardless of which one you choose. If you’re unfamiliar with the Rolex brand, you’ll be relieved to learn that it cannot be overwound. It comes with a handy slip clutch that protects the mainspring.
SHOULD I WORRY IF MY AUTOMATIC WATCH STOPS?
The short and reassuring answer is a resounding NO! Life can be hectic and stressful at times, and there are often more essential things to consider than winding your watch. It’s likely that your watch will totally unwind and stop at some point, but don’t worry; your watch isn’t broken. It’s usually just a matter of getting it coiled up again if it stops.
Here’s where the science comes in: The mainspring is in charge of the watch movement, and when it’s entirely unraveled, it can’t keep it moving. When this happens, the pallet fork is unable to work since the escape wheel is unable to provide any power. These are the parts that make the back-and-forth motion possible. The watch will stop when this happens.
HOW LONG WILL MY ROLEX STAY WOUND FOR?
Your Rolex will keep wound as long as you wear it every day. Most models include a self-winding mechanism, which means the watch is wound by your own movement during the day. Only the Oysterquartz models are not equipped with this feature.
SO, HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO STOP IF I TAKE MY WATCH OFF?
It is entirely dependent on the model, as each has its own set of power reserves. A usual turnaround time is 48 to 72 hours… Find your personal power reserve, and that’ll tell you how long it’ll keep wound.
Is it Possible to Overwind a Rolex?
If you want to learn more about how to modify the time on a Rolex watch, we have a full guide available, but while we’re on the subject of winding a Rolex watch, we can go through how to alter the time briefly.
Because if you put your watch down and it runs out of battery, you’ll have to alter the time and maybe additional functions like the date.
Different models work in different ways, but the fundamentals are the same.
The wearing position of your crown is position 0 on your crown. This is the point where your crown is completely pushed in, and if it has a screw-down, it has been screwed down.
1st place in the crown Take your Rolex to position 1 once it has been wound. The place on your watch where you change the date is this (if your watch has such a feature). You can gently pull the crown out one click once it has popped out naturally at position 1. The quickset date tool is quite useful because it allows you to quickly set the date.
The third place of your crown is where you set the time on your watch. You can reset the hands either clockwise or counterclockwise from this position. Modern Rolex movements also include a hacking function, which means the seconds hand stops when you pull out the crown to the third position, allowing you to set the time more precisely.
When you’re finished, make sure the crown is pushed in or screwed down to position 0 to preserve the movement and make it water-resistant.
Can you overwind a Rolex watch?
When manually winding a modern Rolex watch, you cannot overwind it. Rolex watches are now designed so that no matter how much you wind them, you can’t overwind them. When the winder reaches maximum speed, it simply disengages. Keep in mind, however, that this was not always the case. This means that an older Rolex watch that does not have this technological feature can be overwound. If you do, the spring will break and you will need to replace it.
What is the cost of winding an automated watch?
- Push the crown against the case all the way. (If your watch’s crown is on the right side, turn it all the way to the left.)
- Forward-rotate the crown. A tiny “resistance” should be felt. This is very normal. It’s usual to feel this as you tighten the mainspring and activate the watch’s gears.
- Rotate the crown 30-40 times more, or until the power reserve is depleted. While there is no fixed rule for how many full rotations it takes to wind a watch entirely, 30-40 full rotations should be sufficient to get you through the day.
