IFL watches may have brought to market, the most eye catching and visually fascinating watch winder to be seen in years.
Traditionally, watch winders have relied on rotation clockwise and anticlockwise in a static position, in order to maintain the power reserve inside an automatic watch. A tool especially useful if, like many watch collectors you like to keep more than one automatic piece in rotation or, simply want to pick up and go without the need to set the time and date after placing a watch aside for a few days whilst enjoying another piece.
The vast majority of watch winders that are available operate by rotating the watch, which is set on a cushion whilst it is positioned upright. The rotation allows for the rotor weight inside the movement to spin inside the case and wind the watch. What this single position winding set up may also do however, is unevenly expose the watches mainspring to the effects of gravity, and thus affecting the watches ability to maintain an accurate time.
This problem of gravity affecting watches is the reason that the tourbillion was invented in the year 1801 by Abraham-Louis Breguet. Discovering that by offering rotation to the balance, then it is more evenly exposed to Earth’s gravitational pull and will therefore keep more accurate time.
Taking this principle, The Orbit watch winder does not simply rotate a watch across a single plane, instead it uses a gyroscopic cage to emulate a tourbillion whilst keeping the watch wound. Moving the watch across multiple planes and rotating the piece in multiple positions, The Orbit winder may even assist in keeping more accurate time when compared to the standard winder functions more commonly seen.
The wooden base of the unit is available in either glossed Piano black or a natural walnut wood, and measures in at 22cm diameter. Simplicity and elegance reign supreme in the design of The Orbit, with one single control button on the base of the unit to activate the two set functions. A single press initiates the default setting which rotates the watch for 5 minutes and then stops for 25 minutes, after which the cycle begins again. This setting is advised for maintaining a steady power reserve for the watch housed.
The second function is activated with a long press, where the Orbit rotates for 5 minutes and then stops for 5 minutes for 12 hours. Then there is a 12 hour break before the cycle begins again.
The second function is ideal for use in the office or where the Orbit is on display, the mesmerizing action is sure to spark interest although is also likely to cause distraction and procrastination if you have a fascination for shiny things.
The rings of the Orbit are made of high grade stainless steel and extend vertically to 23cm, with a mixture of high polish and brushed sides. The finish of the Orbit is exceptional from all angles, even the hidden away speed control knob is knurled stainless steel.
When in operation the Orbit’s in house assembled motor runs to perfect silence, so if the unit is placed on a bedside, it should go unnoticed at night.
The Orbit winder by IFL Watches offers a unique and luxurious winding experience for an RRP of €1,490.00 ($2500aud).
The Orbit specifications:
Diameter: 22cm
Height: 23cm
Diameter: 22cm
Height: 23cm
Colour variants: Piano black or Walnut
Rings material: Polished and brushed stainless steel
Available at iflwatches.com
