Review No. 6

ORBITA TRIPLE AC WINDER UPGRADE

by David Docking

Last month I upgraded my AC-only unit to DC, and I thought it would be appropriate to give a review of my "new and improved" winder unit.

A key weakness of my earlier generation winder related to the user programmability features, or lack thereof. In my initial review, I observed that it would be nice to have more user control for each cup with regard to rotation time and direction. Well, with the recent upgrade I now have this desired level of control. Like the current production models, my Murano Triple Watchwinder is now equipped with three individually controlled, motorized heads for multiple watch winding. Each head may be programmed by the user for independent watch rotation direction, automatic reversing, and pre-programmed turns per day (TPD).

The installation of the new drive system could not have been more easy. It was simply a matter of removing two screws on the rear of the unit and pulling the entire drive assembly out the front of unit, and then reversing this process to install the new drive system, only this time using the supplied finger nuts instead of screws.

It is important to note that it was necessary to set the pre-programmed turns per day (TPD) for each head by adjusting the appropriate set of DIP switches prior to installation of the new drive system. Orbita provides winding cycles of 500, 650, 800 or 950 TPD with a choice of rotation direction (clockwise-only, counterclockwise-only or automatic reversal after each cycle). After reading the instructions on setting the DIP switches and the automatic watch database detailing the required TPD for watches and movements found on the Orbita website, it was very easy to set each head for a particular watch. According to Orbita's chart, both the ETA movement in my Tudor and the Hanlet movement in my Orbita wind in both directions and require 650 TPD, whereas the ETA/Valjoux 7750 in my Minerva winds in a clockwise direction only and requires 800 TPD. Once each head was programmed for a watch via the DIP switches, the drive assembly could be installed.

On the panel at the rear of the unit, there is a three position toggle switch that controls operation. In the left-hand "CONTINUOUS" position, the winder may be used to fully wind any watch which is completely wound down. The continuous mode gives 15.5 rotations per minute (RPM). Although clockwise rotations are the default for the continuous windings, counterclockwise rotations can be easily obtained. The center position of the switch is "OFF". The right-hand "PROGRAMMED" position is the normal position. Upon actuation, the motor rotates for 60 seconds at 13.5 RPM, either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, as programmed by the user. Then the motor enters a "sleep" mode for a period of 18 to 40 minutes (set by the user). Upon "waking", the motor rotates in the same or opposite direction (also set by the user) for 60 seconds. This cycle continues automatically 24 hours per day.

The 6 volt power required for operation is supplied by either two battery packs, each holding 4 "C" cell alkaline batteries, or the plug-in AC/DC adapter that was supplied with the new drive assembly (115 vac operation). So far I have only used the adapter, which plugs into the panel at the rear of the unit, and there have been no problems to speak of.

In sum, the winder is now pretty much perfect (well, maybe I could use another stack-on drawer ...). There is no need for me to reiterate the beauty of and the superb craftsmanship evident in the winder case. It is a very attractive piece of furniture. The only thing I can think of to improve upon the existing design would be to add a brass handle to reduce the occurrence of fingerprints on the high gloss finish of the case every time the user wants to lift the lid and access the watches. As for my upgrade, my only real complaint relates to the design of the programmability features. It would be nice to be able to access the DIP switches without having to remove the assembly from the unit. However, the fact of the matter is that I do not plan to adjust these very often so it really is not terribly important for me. To say that I am pleased would be an understatement.