Recognizing the growing number of watchwinder users, some of the more progressive fine automatic watch manufacturers  are beginning to publish data on the winding requirements of their watches as a convenience to their customers (and to ours). We are taking a leading role in seeking this information and publishing it for industry use. Click below to see if your watch is already in the database.  

ORBITA AUTOMATIC WATCH DATABASE - Click Here

Don't get upset if your watch make is not listed above, relax and simply follow this procedure:

About eighty-five percent (85%) of all fine automatic watches wind bi-directionally and generally require between 500 and 600 turns per day (TPD) whether worn on your wrist or run on your watchwinder. Therefore, all  Orbita programmable Watchwinders are preset at the factory for 650 TPD and provide automatic reversing. That is the default setting. Bi-directional winding distributes wear over all components of the watch's internal winding mechanism and is the most efficient mode of winding operation. Of the remaining fifteen percent (15%), about two- thirds (10%) wind clockwise only, notably watches with the Valjoux 7750 movement. The remaining one- third ( 5%)  wind counter clockwise only. Many Patek-Philippe® watches are in this category.

So, if your watch is not winding at the factory default setting of 650 TPD with automatic reversing, proceed as follows:

Step 1. Set the program for 800 TPD Clockwise rotation only. This is easily accomplished by setting the DIP switches on the printed circuit board according to the programming diagram ( see your instruction booklet or view it on our technical page ). Run in this mode for a few days. This will generally cure the problem. If not, please go to Step 2.

Step 2. Set the program for 800 TPD Counter-clockwise rotation only. Simply reset the DIP switches to the appropriate positions shown in the instruction booklet diagram. Then run this way for a few days. If the problem is still not resolved, go to Step 3.

Step 3. Call our Customer service at 0049 7641 93 75 748. We will help diagnose the problem for you.

About Power Reserve 

Some automatic watches incorporate a Power Reserve Indicator (PRI) on the dial face. The PRI shows how many hours the watch will operate if  unworn. Basically, the PRI indicates the tension of the mainspring. Our winders will keep your watch running and the PRI will read anywhere from ¼ to full reserve. This is perfectly normal. If the PRI always shows full reserve, you might want to reduce the turns per day program slightly. This will conserve battery power and prevent  winding your watch more than necessary.

Is Your Winder Running Continuously? 

If your winder is set for Programmed operation ( as it should be!) and you suddenly notice that it is running continually, don't despair. The winder is simply telling you that it is time to change it's batteries.  Here's what is happening........as the batteries drain over time, the battery voltage drops and, finally at one point, the microprocessor shuts down due to low voltage. However, the reduced voltage is still enough to meet the low power needs of the motor, at least for awhile. So, install fresh, new batteries and the continuous run problem will be solved.