Rotor Question

[lance5]

Does the rotor have to rotate around its axle through 360 degrees in order to wind the watch or can it swing back and forth through say 90 or 180 degrees and wind the watch without ever making a complete rotation?

[shofzr]

Just back and forth is enough to wind.


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[cop414]

Hmmm, never thought of this question, good to know. Another bit of watch wisdom garnered through TRF!

[lance5]

Thanks, shofzr

[crowncollection]

back and forth, that is why the watch has reverse wheels to catch this movement to store it whichever way the rotor swings

[lance5]

Thanks, crowncollection

[gregdolley]

On most movements, just 10 - 15 degrees is enough. If you have a watch with a clear caseback and watch the rotor, you can kind of tell at what point the wind starts to happen - there will be a little resistance as the rotor tries to fall to the center due to gravity. Of course, just a 10 - 15 degree rotation will only translate to a minuscule amount of energy for the main spring, but when this happens hundreds of times/day, it adds up.

[lance5]

Good info - thanks gregdolley

[iclick]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

back and forth, that is why the watch has reverse wheels to catch this movement to store it whichever way the rotor swings

That reminds me of a question I've had for a while: Rolex rotors work in both directions but I understand the Valjoux 7750 movement in my Tudor 79170 chronograph only works in one direction. Does that mean that it requires twice the movement to keep it wound fully without manual winding?

[lance5]

Gotta love the Timex, iclick!

[subtona]

it has a ratcheting device inside so any small movement will wind the mainspring,

think of a craftsman ratchet set.


some rotors will wind in both directions and others will only wind in 1 direction (although they will freely turn in both directions).