How to Choose an Automatic Watch Winder
If you own an automatic watch, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of quality winders on the market. These winders keep your watch fully wound and set to the correct time, regardless of where you are or when you take it off.
But are they really necessary for an automatic watch collection? And are they really worth the cost?
Choosing a watch winder
A watch winder is a valuable accessory for anyone who owns an automatic watch. These watches are very delicate, and can easily stop working if they’re not wound up regularly. They require a certain number of turns per day to function properly. If the watch isn’t wound enough, it can wear down the lubricants inside it and cause serious damage.
The best way to keep your watch wound is to buy an automatic watch winder that allows you to program it. This means that you can set the number of turns it makes per day, as well as the direction of rotation. Many winders allow you to choose between clockwise, counter-clockwise, and bi-directional winding.
Another thing to consider when choosing a watch winder is the power source. Some winders are battery-powered, while others use a/c power. It’s important to choose a unit that works with the power you have available, and that will be comfortable in your home.
Most watch winders feature a cushion pillow or spring-loaded mechanism that holds your watch in place. The cushions or spring-loaded mechanism should be finely crafted so that it holds your watch securely without stretching it out or causing any damage.
Some winders come with multiple heads so that you can hold more than one watch at a time. This is especially helpful if you own several different automatic watches.
The size of the watch winder is also an important consideration. It should be large enough to accommodate your watch, but not so big that it takes up too much room in your closet.
You should also consider the design of the winder itself. It should be crafted from high-end materials and have a very meticulous look to it. This will show off your collection to others and make you proud to have it around.
There are many different models of watch winders, and each has its own special features and qualities. Some are designed for a specific type of watch, while others can be used by just about any brand of watch. You should be able to find one that’s perfect for your specific needs.
The number of revolutions per day
The number of revolutions per day that an automatic watch winder can make is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a watch winder. For most watches, there is a magic number of turns that is required to keep them running at their best and avoiding wear and tear on the mechanism.
The majority of automatic watch winders use a common principle: They turn watches about the axes of their hands and balance wheels by rotating the spindles of the winder’s “carousel” hub about an axis parallel to the centerline of the watch case. Some specialized winders – such as Orbita’s AC (Automatic Carousel) winder, the Bergeon professional and Cyclomatic Due – rotate watches about axes of their own design.
For example, the Orbita’s AC winder re-orients watches to a clockwise or counterclockwise orientation after every 36 revolutions. It pauses 30 minutes between the two rotation cycles to allow for an even distribution of the winding.
This reorientation is designed to prevent a watch from winding in the same direction repeatedly and wearing down the internal rotor of the watch. It also helps to distribute wear equitably in the winding mechanism, as each rotor has different degrees of resistance to rotation.
Another variable to consider is automatic watch winder the angle of elevation of a watch’s spindle. A higher elevation will limit the amount of winding torque that is available to a watch’s rotor.
The more steep the spindle’s angle of elevation, the less winding torque it can deliver to a watch’s rotor and therefore, less of the watch’s power reserve can accumulate in the mainspring barrel over time. This is desirable because it limits the potential to overwork a watch’s overwind protection mechanism mercilessly and, in fact, limits the number of turns the watch can be left on the winder indefinitely without reaching the threshold of engagement for the overwind mechanism.
It is important to note that the number of turns per day that a watch winder can make will vary depending on the type of watch it is winding. For example, Rolex watches require between 500 and 800 turns per day while chronographs may need as much as 1300 TPD. This is why it is a good idea to consult the manual for your specific watch to find out exactly how many TPD it requires.
The direction of rotation
An automatic watch, also known as a self-winding watch, is designed to wind itself through the movement of an eccentric weight in the case. It does so by rotating in accordance with the movements of the owner’s wrist, rewinding the mainspring.
It is important to note that many automatic watches have a bidirectional rotor, meaning that both clockwise and anticlockwise rotations will wind the movement. This may cause some stress to the watch, but it is perfectly normal.
You should check whether your watch has a bidirectional rotor or not before placing it in a winder. You can also try adjusting the winder to see which direction winds your watch.
A watch winder will mimic the motion of a worn automatic watch winder watch, which is why it is often used by collectors to keep their watches in good working order when they are not wearing them. The winder can be battery operated or plugged into an outlet, and it may feature a cushion to which the watch is fastened.
Some automatic watch winders are able to be precisely controlled through Bluetooth and a smartphone app. This will allow the user to set the device based on their preferred TPD and rotation direction.
Most of these systems are easy to use and are ideal for people who have a number of automatic watches. They can be programmed to run a specific number of times per day and can be set up to automatically adjust for any changes in the watch’s TPD.
The main benefit of using an automatic watch winder is to keep the watch properly lubricated when it is not being worn. This helps to prevent wear and tear that could lead to loss of accuracy when the watch is finally worn.
Depending on the model, some winders can be set to run at a fixed frequency, while others can be programmed to change speed according to the time of day. Some winders have a built-in alarm that will sound if the device runs too long without being wound.
While it is not recommended to use a watch winder for more than 6-8 months at a time, it is an option for those who want to give their automatic watches some dedicated rest. In addition to a winder, it is recommended to have the watch serviced and checked periodically.
The power source
Automatic watches are self-winding timepieces that keep time through the energy and motion of the wearer. But, if not worn daily, the watch’s mainspring starts to run down and will eventually stop. Then, it will need to be wound up again and reset to its proper setting. This process can take a while and may require specific skills to complete.
When this happens, it is important to have a reliable power source that can keep your watch powered. You can purchase an automatic watch winder that is plugged into your wall or comes with a battery that can be refilled from the included auxiliary.
Watch winders are designed to help you maintain your collection of automatic watches without having to worry about them being wound up by hand. This can be a great way to keep your watch collection in good condition and ensure that they will always tick right on time!
A watch winder works by slowly rotating your automatic watch on a sideways turntable within a specialized case or device. The winder will then gently spin the rotor inside your watch, winding up the mainspring and keeping it working.
In addition, many watch winders also include a cushion to protect your watch. These cushions are often made of a soft and flexible material that is specially designed to hold your watch. They are a great way to protect your watch from scratches, and they can be adjusted to accommodate all sizes of watches.
You will want to choose a watch winder that can keep your watch powered for an extended period of time, so you should look for one that is rated to last for at least three years. This is to avoid having your watch run out of power before you notice it.
Another thing to consider is the type of battery that your watch winder uses. Some winders use rechargeable batteries that can last for several years. This makes them a great option for anyone who wants to keep their collection of watches alive, and it also means that they can be used when you are on the go or at work.