In the world of fine watchmaking, every detail matters. For collectors and enthusiasts, an automatic watch winder is far more than a simple accessory: it is a guardian of time, ensuring the continuity of mechanical timepieces.
When choosing a watch winder, one question often arises: should you opt for unidirectional or bidirectional operation? To answer this, it is essential to understand the relationship between the winder’s direction of rotation and the winding system specific to each calibre.
Why do we talk about unidirectional or bidirectional winding?
An automatic watch draws its energy from the movements of the wrist. These movements activate the oscillating weight, which maintains the tension of the mainspring.
Depending on their design, calibres can wind:
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in a single direction of rotation: this is known as unidirectional winding;
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in both directions of rotation: this is referred to as bidirectional winding.
The role of the watch winder is therefore to adapt its direction of rotation to the specific requirements of each movement, ensuring optimal timekeeping.
Unidirectional watch winders: a specific calibre architecture
In a unidirectional winding calibre, the oscillating weight transmits energy to the mechanism only when it turns in one precise direction. When rotation occurs in the opposite direction, the rotor turns “freely”, without contributing to winding.
This type of architecture, perfectly mastered by certain watchmaking Houses, requires precise winder settings in order to avoid unnecessary rotations and to respect the functioning of the movement.
A correctly configured unidirectional automatic watch winder will therefore reproduce exclusively the effective direction of rotation for the calibre in question.
Bidirectional watch winders: continuous energy recovery
By contrast, a bidirectional winding calibre is designed to harness rotations in both directions. Thanks to an internal system of reversing wheels, every movement of the rotor contributes to maintaining tension in the mainspring.
This principle offers greater flexibility of use and enables more even maintenance of the power reserve, even when movements are irregular or limited.
To meet this diversity of calibres, SwissKubik bidirectional automatic watch winders offer adapted rotation cycles, capable of alternating both directions according to the requirements of each movement.
What impact does this have on preserving an automatic watch?
On the internal mechanism:
An unsuitable rotation setting can lead to unnecessary rotations with no effect on winding. Conversely, tailored cycle management makes it possible to:
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maintain consistent tension in the mainspring,
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limit mechanical variations,
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preserve internal lubrication over time.
On longevity and precision:
Controlled maintenance in motion reduces manual restarts and repeated crown adjustments. The watch remains set to the correct time, with its complications properly adjusted, ready to be worn at any moment.
Summary: unidirectional vs bidirectional watch winders
A unidirectional watch winder drives the movement in only one direction, offering more limited winding efficiency and compatibility restricted to certain calibres.
By contrast, a bidirectional watch winder operates in both directions of rotation, ensuring a more even energy supply, broader compatibility with all automatic watches and optimal everyday comfort.
How to choose between a unidirectional and a bidirectional watch winder?
Beyond the choice between unidirectional and bidirectional operation, the essential criterion lies in usage and the level of personalisation sought. Your automatic watch winder must above all respect the functioning of the calibre and support the watch with moderation.
The Startbox range is an ideal solution for those looking for a simple, reliable and effective watch winder for daily use. Its intuitive operation keeps an automatic watch in motion without any adjustments.
For collectors wishing to go further, Masterbox automatic watch winders offer advanced customisation. Thanks to individual programming via a dedicated app, they allow both the direction of rotation and the number of daily rotations to be adjusted, meeting precisely the needs of unidirectional and bidirectional calibres alike, while avoiding any unnecessary strain.
SwissKubik: Swiss excellence in the service of luxury watches
An automatic watch deserves care worthy of its value. With its bidirectional watch winders, SwissKubik combines Swiss savoir-faire, mechanical innovation and refined design.
More than a tool, each watch winder becomes a technological case designed to preserve precision, extend the longevity of movements and enhance the art of fine watchmaking.
