The recommended automatic watch winder settings for Rolex watches are generally around 650 turns per day (TPD) with bidirectional rotation. This means the winder should rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise to evenly wind the mainspring, matching the natural movement of a Rolex watch. Most Rolex watches perform best within 600 to 800 TPD, with 650 TPD being the typical sweet spot.
Specific models have slightly different needs:
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The Daytona requires around 800-950 TPD with mostly clockwise winding.
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The Sky-Dweller needs about 800 TPD bidirectional.
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Most standard Oyster Perpetual, Submariner, GMT-Master II, Datejust, and Day-Date models use 650 TPD bidirectional winding.
Rolex watches have built-in overwind protection, but correct winder settings prevent uneven winding and ensure optimal accuracy and longevity. A good practice is to start at 650 TPD bidirectional, place the watch securely in the winder, and periodically monitor timekeeping. Adjust TPD upwards if the watch loses time while on the winder.
Summary of Rolex watch winder settings:
| Model Family | Turns Per Day (TPD) | Winding Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rolex Models (Submariner, Datejust, Day-Date, GMT-Master II) | ~650 | Bidirectional |
| Daytona | 800-950 | Mostly clockwise |
| Sky-Dweller | 800 | Bidirectional |
| Vintage Rolex | ~600 | Bidirectional |
Manual winding (unscrew crown, turn clockwise about 20-30 times) is recommended before placing in the winder to ensure the watch is fully charged initially.
This ensures the watch stays fully wound, maintains accurate time, and preserves the movement's health over time.
