Forums Latest Members

Looking to build a watch winder

  1. OmegaAm Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    22
    Likes
    15
    Hi Guys,

    Ive been looking around the internet at watch winders now that I have a few automatics and it got me thinking, Im a bit of a nerd, why can't I just build my own? Setting up a box with a motor isn't tough but, I notice that almost all movements have different specs for winding. Some are bi-directional while others need a specific direction and they all have different rotations per day. For my vintage watches I don't see anything available on the Omega site. Is there a better place I should be looking? The last thing I want to do is hurt my movements by winding too much (if that's even a thing?).

    Secondly, what are some features you would like to see in a winder that might not already exist? I was thinking I could connect the box to a web app, create profiles for specific watches so I could keep the design of the winder very minimal while maintaining very efficient accuracy. I was also thinking I could set up LED back lighting that could be changed within the app as well.

    Any and all insight would be greatly appreciated, if anyone has a specific winder they love feel free to post it here for inspiration.

    Thanks!
     
  2. gemini4 Hoarder Of Speed et alia Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    5,855
    Likes
    16,579
    Custom made Ranchero winder
    74B00AF2-85A0-44E4-B6C9-16EFF9A1D67F.jpeg
     
  3. BenBagbag Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    2,820
    Likes
    8,983
    You look great, Marc! Have you lost weight?

    And that man to the right also looks good!
     
  4. OmegaAm Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    22
    Likes
    15
    If you could refrain from posting photos of my family and friends on the internet, that would be great
     
  5. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    12,468
    Likes
    49,491
    Orbita has a great website ...great spec tables...you want it fully programmable ... and quiet...
     
    Foo2rama likes this.
  6. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    17,045
    Likes
    25,210
    Best winder setting database.

    https://www.orbita.com/winder-support/#

    Note it is not mobile friendly
    Note 2, it has the settings for the Orbitas... some winders use slightly different settings so you can round up.
     
    OmegaAm and Larry S like this.
  7. OmegaAm Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    22
    Likes
    15
    The plan is to build something similar to one of their models but at a price point that is drastically less. In theory the internal components aren't expensive, you have a micro controller and a motor. I am a computer programmer so I figured I might as well give it a go.


    This is exactly what I was looking for, thank you.
     
    JimInOz and Foo2rama like this.
  8. OmegaAm Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    22
    Likes
    15
    As I will be building my own from scratch I figured that 650 turns per day would be pretty uniform regardless, no?
     
  9. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    17,045
    Likes
    25,210
    Not enough for some watches. Some need 1200 some 900.

    Some also have different winding rotations.
     
  10. OmegaAm Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    22
    Likes
    15
    Sorry, I didnt mean all watches. It was more if "Watch A" needs to go 650 rotations a day clockwise, that number shouldnt be affected by the winder you are using.
     
  11. Reddy_Kilowatt Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    228
    Likes
    339
    I just attach a stick to the drive axle and fasten the watch to the stick. Why make it more complicated?

    [​IMG]
     
    Waltesefalcon, gemini4 and BenBagbag like this.
  12. OmegaAm Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    22
    Likes
    15
    I mean that even seems more complicated, you could strap atleast 4 onto this bad boy:
    523-d-010-1-400.jpg
     
    Waltesefalcon and Reddy_Kilowatt like this.
  13. BenBagbag Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    2,820
    Likes
    8,983
    I'd go with this. Better RPM and sweeter too. :thumbsup:

    cotton candy machine.jpeg

    But honestly, this sounds like a cool project should you decide to take it on. If so, please keep us updated here!
     
    Waltesefalcon and Reddy_Kilowatt like this.
  14. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    17,045
    Likes
    25,210
    Correct as long as the direction is correct.

    Unless your Dr Strange. As infinite turns is not going to do anything in that set up 762B605A-F888-461A-8E5A-DDCD5791AC9C.jpeg
     
    Edited Jan 13, 2019
  15. Reddy_Kilowatt Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    228
    Likes
    339
    A bunch of one-uppers.
     
    BenBagbag likes this.
  16. OmegaAm Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    22
    Likes
    15
    Not going to lie, that was what sparked my interest on building a winder
     
  17. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    17,045
    Likes
    25,210
    Just be aware of the massive flaw in that design lol.
     
    Waltesefalcon likes this.
  18. OmegaAm Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    22
    Likes
    15
    "....but..but they're spinning!"
     
    Waltesefalcon and Foo2rama like this.
  19. TDBK Jan 13, 2019

    Posts
    578
    Likes
    1,799
    A big spinner which spins all your watches at once, just spins the whole case.
     
  20. OmegaAm Jan 14, 2019

    Posts
    22
    Likes
    15
    Ah yes the classic "tape your whole watch box to the desk fan" trick