Form, Fit and Function of a Watch Winder

When manufacturers start on a new product, their designers usually discuss about the form, fit and function of that product. In its purest definition, it describes a product’s physical, performance and functional characteristics.


In a watch winder, it takes a similar perspective described as follows.


Form

This defines the shape, size, dimensions, mass and other visual parameters, in this case referring to its aesthetics such as inlays, trimmings, lacquering or embellishments, which uniquely differentiate it from other winders. It describes the "look" of the watch winder which truly gives the first impression to potential buyers. All manufacturers put extra effort to attract (lure?) their customers by this “looks”.

Winders meant for the safe are designed smaller, whereas winders for the traveller are not only small but also light. Kubik designers target people with a taste for art whereas Buben & Zorweg go for extreme luxury in their finest masterpieces.

Note: Form can Fit Function
A compact battery operated watch winder designed to suit safes.


Fit

In designing its form, manufacturers visualize how a watch winder would suit (fit) and compliment the furniture, home interiors and the environment or lifestyle of the owner.

There are cabinet types, tower types and stand-alones to suit all taste. Materials used for the housing are wood, plastic, metal and leather. Some manufacturers provide customizing services to users while a few just sells winder modules so that users can retrofit it by themselves.

Note: Fitting Form to Function
A watch winder stripped of its housing can be used in a safe.


Function

A watch winder should be build to perform its intended purpose, which is to keep a watch wound. Either for a particular range of timepiece or across the whole spectrum of calibers, this unit should serve to function with automatic watches.

Basic functions included, but not limited to, are as follow.

a) It must be capable of rotating with a load and last a few years.
b) AC and/or battery powered.
c) Wind a single watch or two watches on a rotating head.
d) Provide the required TPD for an automatic watch.

Note: Function where Form Fits
If the user wants a winder with housing placed inside the safe, a custom-built winder would be great.



When selecting a watch winder, the Form, Fit and Function of a unit could be factors considered.

Labels: designs of watch winders

Unique Watchwinders - Part2

Rotations are not the only way to keep watches wound. This two innovative companies have found a way to deviate from the normal method and made watch winders with a different winding system.




Cradle of Time

I believe this unit is both Japanese designed and made. As the name suggest, it gently rocks the watches from side to side, just like a baby’s crib. Theirs is an industrial timer made by Panasonic is on one side of the unit to probably set its rocking duration. There’s no need for any directional selection in this system as rocking the timepieces starts ratcheting the gear trains.



According to the manufacturer, they only use AC motors as DC ones tend to be more magnetic, thus creating a “magnetized environment” within the watch winder housing. The patented design promises a “non-magnetic environment” for your timepieces.



The box is made from a combination of MDF and Paulownia wood. The glass cover provides clear viewing of the watches inside.

You can visit CHRONOWORLD.com or antiquewatchonline.com to see the video of the action.

 
Arcera


In 2006, ARCERA Mechanik GmbH launched their version of a watch winder based on the principle of Triplanarism or movement about three planes. This totally unique winding system swirls the watches instead of rotating them. The ROBO 003 was actually inspired by a prototype made by Professor Joachim Lueckel of Paderborn University in Germany.



Besides manufacturing this little known ROBO 003, ARCERA also makes unique concept clocks and other precision mechanical products.



Have a look at the “swirling” mechanism at their website www.arcera.de and you’ll be amazed at their clever winding technique.



With this, I can say that watch winders come in all shapes, size, color and winding techniques.



Cheers!

Labels: designs of watch winders