Let's say you have a out-of-warranty unit and it's been misbehaving, gradually griding its way as it rotates. Would you consider repairing it?

Many wouldn't bother and just go ahead with a new purchase. Probably it was "cheap" to begin with. For me, being sentimental (and a scrooge) I'll find a way to get it repaired; unless parts are proprietary. You could easily find substitute parts if you know where to look for.

The motor would be the first to konk-out in a cheap watch winder. When I say cheap, it means all aspects including thoughtless mechanical designs and low cost parts.

From my experience, seldom would the electronics smoke unless the user has accidently applied the wrong voltage. A good design would take care of voltage overloads in some way.

I had the opportunity to help a friend one day. He had a broken winder for me to repair.

Rapport makes watch winders for a US Jeweller, WIXON.

The housing is well constructed and have a high gloss surface.

Typical motor failure fot his one.

The bottom plate had to be removed before accessing the motor inside.

What surprises me is the use of a plexiglass panel that supported the motor. Where manufacturers are trying to reduce sound by having low density materials, Rapport chooses to use a high density material such as acrylic. From the photo below, you can see the motor with the see-through panel. So if you have clicking sounds in your Rapport winders, blame it on the spring assembly rotating on this acrylic panel.

Photo below shows the interior of a Rapport winder. The small green thingy is the microprocessor unit.

The next photo shows the drive assembly. Rapport deploys a belt-drive system. The Mabuchi motor when energized, drives the pulleys which in turn rotates your watches on the winding cup. The metal rectangular box houses the planetary gear assembly.

The photo below is a close-up of the microprocessor board. Rapport's technology is inside their proprietary Firmware and Winding Mechanism. To many, it may look like a simple board but the Firmware is quite complex. The microprocessor used here is a 4-bit EEPROM. All parts used are conventional type unlike Orbita who used SMDs (Surface-mount Devices).

My conclusion for the failure was not because of a poor quality motor but more of the spring beneath the winding cup that adds undue resistance when rotating. However, it could be possible also because of its high TPD given.

The last photo shows the completed winder after repairs and a plastic bag in the background containing the demise parts.

Don't throw away your winder. Get it repaired by the agent or repair it yourself. Repairing your winder saves you money.

After replacing the motor, the unit works as good as new, although the clicking sound still persist due to the original construction.

Frankly, I feel uncomfortable using a Rapport due to the high TPD it provides. But, well, to each its own.

Cheers!