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Watch winder TPD settings

Most automatic watches are happy at about 650 turns per day in both directions. The main exception is the Valjoux 7750 family of chronographs, which winds clockwise only. Search for your watch or movement below.

These are common starting points, not manufacturer specifications. If a watch stops on the winder, raise the turns per day; if your manual gives a figure, use that.

What TPD means

TPD, turns per day, is how many full rotations the winder gives the watch in 24 hours. An automatic's rotor winds the mainspring as it turns. It needs a few hundred turns a day to stay topped up, roughly what an hour or two of wear gives it.

Which direction?

• Both directions (bidirectional) works for almost every automatic, including Seiko, Miyota, ETA 2824 and Sellita SW200 movements, and the Rolex and Omega calibres. If in doubt, choose this.
• Clockwise suits movements that only wind one way, such as the Valjoux 7750 and the chronographs built on it.
• Hand-wound watches can't be wound by a winder at all. They need winding by the crown.

Can too many turns hurt?

No. Once the mainspring is full, a slipping clutch lets it slide, so extra turns can't overwind it (more on overwinding). They do add a little wear to the winding system, which is why there's no point setting it higher than needed.

Do you need a winder at all?

For most collectors, no. A rotation and a reminder do the same job for free. See Do I need a watch winder? Watch Winder the app tracks each watch's reserve and tells you which one to wear next, so nothing stops.

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