If you've just bought a watch winder — or you're shopping for one — you'll see the term TPD everywhere. It's the single most important setting on your winder, and getting it right is the difference between a perfectly wound watch and a stopped one.
What does TPD mean?
TPD stands for "turns per day" — the total number of rotations your watch winder makes in a 24-hour period.
Most automatic (self-winding) watches need between 650 and 1,800 TPD to stay fully wound. The exact number depends on your watch's movement calibre.
Why does TPD matter?
Automatic watches are powered by a rotor — a weighted disc inside the movement that spins when you move your wrist. This spinning winds the mainspring, which stores energy to power the watch.
When you're not wearing your watch, it isn't receiving any wrist motion. Without a winder, the mainspring will gradually lose energy, and the watch will stop — typically within 38 to 72 hours, depending on the power reserve.
A watch winder replaces your wrist motion by rotating the watch at a controlled rate. The TPD setting determines how much winding the watch receives.
Too few turns
If the TPD is set too low, the watch won't receive enough energy to stay fully wound. It will lose accuracy and eventually stop — defeating the purpose of the winder.
Too many turns
If the TPD is set too high, the mainspring may be wound beyond its optimal tension. Most modern movements have a slipping clutch to prevent over-winding damage, but excessive TPD still puts unnecessary wear on the automatic winding mechanism.
Just right
The correct TPD keeps your watch fully wound without over-stressing the movement. It's the sweet spot.
What about winding direction?
In addition to TPD, you need to set the winding direction:
- CW (clockwise) — the winder rotates clockwise
- CCW (counter-clockwise) — the winder rotates counter-clockwise
- Bidirectional — the winder alternates between clockwise and counter-clockwise
The correct direction depends on your watch's rotor mechanism. Some movements only wind in one direction; others wind in both.
Using the wrong direction means the rotor spins freely without engaging the winding mechanism — your watch won't receive any energy even though the winder is turning.
How to find your watch's TPD
There are three ways to find the correct settings:
1. Check the manufacturer's specifications
Some watch brands publish the recommended TPD and direction for each calibre. This is the most authoritative source.
2. Use the Time Machine app
The Time Machine app has winding profiles for over 30,000 watch models. Select your brand and model, and the correct TPD and direction are applied automatically to your Time Machine winder.
This is the easiest and most reliable method — the database covers virtually every major brand and calibre.
3. Look up your movement calibre
If you know your watch's movement calibre number, you can search for its specifications online. Look for "rotor winding direction" and "recommended TPD."
Common TPD settings by brand
While every model varies, here are some general ranges:
- Rolex: 650–800 TPD, bidirectional (most models)
- Omega: 800 TPD, bidirectional (most Co-Axial calibres)
- Patek Philippe: 800 TPD, clockwise (many models)
- Audemars Piguet: 650 TPD, bidirectional (Royal Oak, most models)
- Breitling: 800 TPD, clockwise (most models)
Important: These are general guidelines. Always verify the settings for your specific model — even within the same brand, different references may use different movements with different requirements.
The Time Machine advantage
Most watch winders require you to research and manually set TPD and direction. Time Machine winders take a different approach:
- Automatic watch detection — place your watch on the winder, and it starts automatically
- 30,000+ profiles — the app knows the exact settings for your specific model
- No guesswork — select your watch in the app, and the correct TPD and direction are applied instantly
It's the largest winding profile database in any watch winder system.
Have questions about your watch's winding settings? Find your watch model in our database or contact us.