TECHNICAL

Why use a watch winder?

An automatic watch has a mechanism that requires regular motion to keep the inner spring constantly charged. This motion is usually provided as it is worn. Once removed from the wrist the stored energy will only run for 24-72 hours, depending upon the model, then the watch will need to be manually rewound and reset.

Many automatic watches have additional features, or 'complications' - date/lunar phase/world time etc. so the task of rewinding and recalibrating a watch if it runs down is best avoided.

Furthermore, watches of such calibre are precision instruments and like all thoroughbreds they actually benefit from exercise - if left unwound for long periods, internal lubrication can be lost from critical areas which will eventually lead to excessive wear on components and subsequent lack of accuracy.

Perpetua Watch Winders have features designed to mimic the action of a watch being worn. The watch is held at a precise angle while being rotated and the winder can be set to run intermittently so that the watch is not permanently fully wound.

Perpetua exclusive design features

Rapport considered closely the design requirements of its range of Watch Winders for Automatic Watches. The angle at which the watch is rotated, the frequency and speed of rotation are all important factors which the Perpetua has addressed.

But just as important was the craftsmanship of the cabinet makers in providing boxes which are luxurious items of furniture worthy to grace any home. Each box in the range is painstakingly crafted from solid wood, and hand finished by the application of eight coats of highly polished lacquer.

Gold or chrome plated fittings and soft velvet linings add to the elegance of the Winders while the fine tuned mechanism keeps your watch in prime condition.

Optima exclusive design features

Rapport are pleased to announce the addition of the Optima series to their range of watch winders. They still bear the same quality of materials and craftsmanship of the Perpetua series - and yet we are pushing the boundaries of design by utilising modern materials and advanced manufacturing techniques.

The watch carriers in this series have improved flexibility to accommodate virtually any size watch strap, leather or metal bracelet. There is a screw adjustment to the front of the carrier and a sprung pad on the reverse. A soft padded leather covering prevents damage to the watch. The carrier then slots snugly into the driving mechanism and there is no danger of the watch falling off its mount.

These ranges also incorporate the next generation of technology in watch wider mechanisms - they can be set to revolve in one direction only (clockwise or anti-clockwise) or in a combination of both directions and there is infinite control on the speed of rotation. These elements of control are vital for certain types of automatic watches and you should refer to manufacturers' recommendations to obtain optimum results from your watch winder.

Luxury soft feel interior

The build quality of these wooden boxes can only be described as luxurious with the outer surfaces being finished with hand applied lacquer and the interiors being lined with a soft feel velvet fabric which not only looks good but adds to the protective environment for your prestigious watches.

Choice of settings

Two modes of operation are provided: a fast winding mode, when the drum rotates continuously, and a timed mode which rotates the drum intermittently clock-wise and anticlockwise.

Electricity and Mechanical

The control and drive systems operate on a safe low voltage direct current (below 6VDC). Most Rapport winder models can use both batteries or a plugged in DC adaptor interchangeably. An integrated circuit controls the running of the winder and it is programmed to give an effective winding action and yet controls the consumption of electric power to a very low level.
The drive system is housed inside a zinc alloy die cast gear box. Power is transmitted from a DC motor at one end to an output shaft at the other end smoothly and silently.
The electrical and drive systems are designed with minimum ease of maintenance in mind.

We strongly recommend the use of the power adaptor but the chart below gives an indication of the life expectancy when good quality alkaline batteries are used.
Note: Battery life depends on the mode selected, weight of watch, ambient temperature etc.
Turns per day (TPD)
Constant Mode: 3960 TPD
Timed Mode: 1690 TPD (First Day)
1130 TPD (Second Day onwards)
All Winders rotate clockwise and anti-clockwise and a battery level indicator is provided on each model.

Accreditation and Compliance

Our products have been independently tested and adhere to domestic, international regulations and also comply with safety and performance standards (General Products Safety Regulations GPSR 2005). In addition we hold UKAS accreditation, the RoHS directive testing has also been undertaken independently by Bureau Veritas.