Unique Watchwinders - Part1

Watch winders basically rotate the watches in order to provide sufficient turns to keep your timepieces wound. Everyone has heard of brand names such as Abest, Rapport, Orbita, ERS, Eilux, Scatola and many others. Each of these manufacturer embed their own proprietary winding sequence but have one common method of rotation.




However, there are companies that deviate from this norm and choose a new method of watch winding. In part 1, we take a look at two companies.



Penelop

Establish in Switzerland, their manufacturing is entirely done in a Swiss facility, where qualified personnel assemble and test the units prior shipping out to their customers. Their design follows a “windmill” style with both sides loaded with up to four watches. It’s also interesting to see the unique Patent Pending watch brackets.

A built-in electronic timer controls a unique winding cycle ranging between 10 minutes to 1.3 hours.

At the back of the unit, a 3-way switch lets you select between Stop, Timer and Continuous Functions.

This unit works only from an AC source, meaning it uses an AC Asynchronous motor.

Little else is known about this unit because they are not available in this part of the world and I can’t evaluate it.



Picture taken from Penelop website…

http://www.penelop.ch/english/aboutpen_cadre.htm



UB Sammerl

Following close to Penelop’s concept of watch winding is a company called UB Sammerl. Founded in 1999, the founder started making winders for his own needs. After tasting the fruits of success and sensing that he has built a good product, started selling them in small quantities.



The design is nothing to shout about but Sammerl has gradually build a reputable customer base throughout the whole of the German speaking areas.

Each winder has one 10rpm AC motor that links to two rotating arms winding in opposite direction. An industrial timer is fitted at the rear of the unit.


Visit their website to see the winder in action.

http://www.reasonablewatchwinder.de/english/start.htm

Labels: watch winder design