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Welcome, Fortis enthusiasts! Have you ever found yourself marveling at your exquisitely crafted Fortis watch, only to realize that you’re unsure about the proper winding technique? Worry not, because today’s blog post is here to guide you through the delicate intricacies of winding a Fortis watch with precision and care, ensuring its longevity and enhancing its already mesmerizing allure.
How to Wind a Fortis Watch Correctly: A Simplified Guide
Identifying Your Watch Type
Fortis has a remarkable range of watches, from hand-wound and self-winding models to quartz options. While most of their collection focuses on hand-wound and self-winding watches, they also offer quartz models for those who prioritize accuracy with minimal maintenance.
The Official Cosmonauts collection, in particular, offers a variety of styles and designs, so there’s truly a Fortis for everyone.
Before winding your watch, it’s essential to know its type. Fortis manual-wind watches need regular winding to maintain their power, while self-winding models stay wound through natural wrist movement or by using a watch winder.
1. Wearing the Watch Daily
When you wear your Fortis watch frequently, your arm’s natural movement winds the watch’s movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping without manual winding.
2. Manual Winding – Rotating the Crown
To manually wind your watch, set the crown to position 0, and wind it clockwise 20 to 30 times. This initial winding will activate the movement, which can then continue to self-wind as you move throughout the day.
Note: Some models have a screw-down crown. Be sure to unscrew it fully before winding, and once you’re finished, screw it back in to maintain the watch’s water resistance.
3. Automatic Winding – Using a Fortis Watch Winder
If you own multiple luxury watches or don’t wear your Fortis daily, a watch winder can be a practical solution. Reputable brands like Mozsly and Wolf make winders that mimic wrist motion, keeping your watch wound without the need for manual winding.
How Does an Automatic Watch Winder Work?
Not familiar with a watch winder? Think of it as a jewelry box with a motor that gently rotates your watch at intervals, simulating the wrist’s natural motion. This keeps your watch fully wound, accurate, and ready to wear.
Watch winders offer multiple rotation settings—clockwise, counterclockwise, or both—depending on your watch’s specific needs. If you own more than one watch, a multi-watch winder with alternating rotations is a convenient way to keep them all wound.
For Fortis watches, which usually require 650 to 800 turns per day (typically in a clockwise direction), most high-quality winders have the settings needed to keep your timepiece in perfect condition.
Fortis Winding Parameters
Here are the key terms to know when using your winder:
- CW – Clockwise
- CCW – Counterclockwise
- Both – Combined mode (Clockwise + Counterclockwise)
- – – Undefined
MODEL, DESCRIPTION | MOVEMENT / CALIBER | WINDING DIRECTION | TURNS PER DAY (TPD) |
---|---|---|---|
Art Edition by Rolf Sachs | Both | 650 | |
Art Edition Mattern | Both | 650 | |
Art Edition Planet Gerd Winner | CW | 800 | |
B-42 Big Day Date | Both | 650 | |
B-42 Black Automatic: 647.28.71 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
B-42 Black Chronograph: 638.28.71L | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Black Ltd. Ed. – Black Black: 647.28.81 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
B-42 Black & Black 2012 | Both | 650 | |
B-42 Black Ltd. Ed. – Black MARS 500: 647.28.13 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
B-42 Black Chronograph Titan Carbon | CW | 800 | |
B-42 Black Mars500 Chrono | CW | 800 | |
B-42 Chronograph GMT Chronometer C.O.S.C.: 651.10.12 M | Automatic 7750 w/GMT Superstructure | CW | 800 |
B-42 Diver Chronograph: 640.10 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Diver Chronograph Alarm | CW | 800 | |
B-42 Diver Chronograph GMT | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Diver Day/Date: 648.10 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
B-42 Diver GMT 3 Time Zones: 650.10 | Automatic 2893-2 | Both | 650 |
B-42 Diver Ltd. Ed. – Chronograph Alarm COSC: 641.10.92 | F2001 Alarm | CW | 800 |
B-42 Flieger Black Chronograph: 656.18.81 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Flieger Black Day/Date: 655.18.81 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
B-42 Flieger Black Ltd. Ed. – Chronograph: 656.18.81 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Flieger Black Ltd. Ed. – Chronograph Alarm COSC: 657.10.11 | F2001-5 Alarm | CW | 800 |
B-42 Flieger Black Ltd. Ed. – Cockpit GMT: 672.18.11 | Automatic 2893-1 | Both | 650 |
B-42 Flieger Black Ltd. Ed. – Day/Date: 655.18.81 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
B-42 Flieger Chronograph: 656.10 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Flieger Chronograph Alarm: 636.10 | F2001 Alarm | CW | 800 |
B-42 Flieger Chrono Alarm Chronometer | CW | 800 | |
B-42 Flieger Chronograph GMT | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Flieger Cockpit | Both | 650 | |
B-42 Flieger Cockpit Limited Edition | Both | 650 | |
B-42 Flieger Day/Date: 645.10, 655.10 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
B-42 Flieger Diver Chronograph | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Marinemaster Chronograph: 638, 671.10 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Marinemaster Chronograph Alarm: 639 | F2001-5 Alarm | CW | 800 |
B-42 Marinemaster Day/Date: 647.11, 670.10 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
B-42 Marinemaster Ltd. Ed. – Chronograph Alarm: 637.10.41, 639.10.41 | F2001 Alarm | CW | 800 |
B-42 Marinemaster Ltd. Ed. – Chronograph Alarm Chronometer COSC: 673.10.41 | F2001 Alarm | CW | 800 |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts Chronograph: 630, 638.10 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts Chronograph Alarm: 639.22 | F2001 Alarm | CW | 800 |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts Chronograph Alarm Titanium | CW | 800 | |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts Chronograph Diamond: 630 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts Chronograph GMT | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts Chronograph Titanium: 659.27 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts Day/Date: 610, 647.10 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts Day/Date Mars Mission | Both | 650 | |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts Day/Date Titanium: 658.27 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts Edition Titan Carbon | CW | 800 | |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts GMT | Both | 650 | |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts GMT 3 Time Zones | Automatic 2893-2 | Both | 650 |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts Ltd. Ed. – Chronograph Alarm COSC: 660.27.11 | F2001 Alarm | CW | 800 |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts Ltd. Ed. – Chronograph Gold Edition: 630.50.12 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts Ltd. Ed. – Chronograph Titanium Edition: 638.27.91 M | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts Ltd. Ed. – Chronograph Titanium Edition (2004): 644.27.11 | Lemania 5100 | CCW | 800 |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts Ltd. Ed. – Day/Date Titanium MARS 500: 658.27.81 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
B-42 Official Cosmonauts Ltd. Ed. – MARS 500: 658.27.81 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
B-42 Pilot Professional Chronograph: 635.10 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Pilot Professional Chronograph Alarm: 636.22 | F2001 Alarm | CW | 800 |
B-42 Pilot Professional Chronograph Alarm Titanium | F2001 Alarm | CW | 800 |
B-42 Pilot Professional Chronograph GMT | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Pilot Professional Chronograph | CW | 800 | |
B-42 Pilot Professional Day/Date: 645.10 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
B-42 Stratoliner Chronograph: 665.10 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-42 Stratoliner Black & White | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
B-47 Big Black | Both | 650 | |
B-47 Calculator: 666.10 | Automatic 2893-2 | Both | 650 |
B-47 Calculator Ltd. Ed. – GMT 3 Time Zones: 666.10.31 | Automatic 2893-2 | Both | 650 |
B-47 Mysterious Planet | Both | 650 | |
B-47 Worldtimer GMT | Both | 650 | |
Chronograph Diver (Lemania 5100) | CCW | 800 | |
Cosmonauts Chrono Alarm | CW | 800 | |
Cosmonauts Chronograph (Lemania 5100) | CCW | 800 | |
Cosmonauts Pilot (Lemania 5100) | CCW | 800 | |
Cosmonauts Space Edition (Lemania 5100) | CCW | 800 | |
Cargo Spacematic Ltd. Ed.: 623.22.81 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Edition Winner Automatic: 595 | Automatic 2824-2 | Both | 650 |
Edition Winner Chronograph: 597 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Edition Winner Platin Alarm Chronograph Automatic: 599 | F2001 Alarm | CW | 800 |
F-43 Flieger | CW | 800 | |
F-43 Flieger Big Day Big Date | Both | 650 | |
F-4F Phantoms Phorever | CW | 800 | |
Flieger 24 H: 621.10 | Automatic 2893-2 | Both | 650 |
Flieger Automatic: 595.10, 620.10 | Automatic 2824-2 | Both | 650 |
Flieger Automatic 24H: 596.10, 621.10 | Automatic 2893-2 | Both | 650 |
Flieger Big Date: 615.10 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
Flieger Black Automatic: 647 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
Flieger Black Chronograph: 638 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Flieger Black Ltd. Ed. – 24h: 596.18 | Automatic 2893-2 | Both | 650 |
Flieger Chronograph: 597.10, 597.11, 622.10 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Flieger Chronograph Automatic Alarm: 599.10 | F2001 Alarm | CW | 800 |
Flieger Chronograph F-43 Alarm GMT | CW | 800 | |
Flieger Cockpit | Automatic 2824-2 | Both | 650 |
Flieger GMT: 596.10, 621.10 | Automatic 2893-2 | Both | 650 |
Flieger GMT Chronometer: 598.10 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Flieger Ltd. Ed. – NATO Tigers: 595.10.4 | Automatic 2824-2 | Both | 650 |
Flieger Ltd. Ed. – Chronograph AWACS: 597.11.11 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Flieger Ltd. Ed. – Chronograph Gold Edition 18KTI: 597.50.12 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Flieger Ltd. Ed. – Chronograph US Navy SWTI: 597.11 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Flieger Ltd. Ed. – Steel: 597.11.12 LC 05 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Flieger Ltd. Ed. – Steel / 18KT Gold: 59.60.12.LC 01 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Jumping Hour | Both | 650 | |
Limited Art Edition – IQ – ROLF SACHS: 596.18.61L | Automatic 2824-2 | Both | 650 |
Limited Art Edition – MALTERN: 623.22.15 | CW | 800 | |
Limited Art Edition – PLANET – GERD WINNER: 638.28.17 K | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Limited Art Edition – SPACE ART – FRANK BURMANN | Lemania 5100 | CCW | 800 |
Limited Art Edition – Spacematic PIT STOP – Jean Tinguely | Automatic 2824-2 | Both | 650 |
Official Cosmonauts Chronograph: 630.10 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Maerinemaster Vintage | Both | 650 | |
Official Cosmonauts Chronograph Diamond: 630.14 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Official Cosmonauts Day/Date: 610.10, 610.22 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
Official Cosmonauts GMT: 611.22 | Automatic 2893-2 | Both | 650 |
Official Cosmonauts Chronograph Alarm: 607.22 | F2001 Alarm | CW | 800 |
Official Cosmonauts Chronograph Cosmonaut, Gold: 630.22 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Official Cosmonauts Chronograph Cosmonaut: 602.22, 602.60 | Lemania 5100 | CCW | 800 |
Official Cosmonauts Chronograph Diver: 631.22 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Official Cosmonauts Chronograph Diver: 605.22 | Lemania 5100 | CCW | 800 |
Official Cosmonauts Chronograph GMT Chronometer: 603.22, 603.60 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Official Cosmonauts Chronograph Pilot: 606.22 | Lemania 5100 | CCW | 800 |
Official Cosmonauts Chronograph Pilot GMT: 632.22 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Official Cosmonauts Ltd. Ed. – Chronograph Alarm Platinum Edition: 607.70.11, 607.70.12 | F2001 Alarm | CW | 800 |
Official Cosmonauts Ltd. Ed. – Chronograph MIR: 602.22.11 | Lemania 5100 | CCW | 800 |
Official Cosmonauts Ltd. Ed. – Chronograph Space Edition ISS: 602.22, 602.60.11 | Lemania 5100 | CCW | 800 |
Official Cosmonauts Ltd. Ed. – Steel / 18KT Gold: 630.60.12 | – | – | – |
Pilot 42B | Both | 650 | |
Pilot Professional Big Date: 615.22 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
Pilot Professional Big Date Black: 615.18 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
Pilot Professional Chronograph Alarm: 599.22 | F2001 Alarm | CW | 800 |
Pilot Professional Chronograph Alarm Black: 599.18 | F2001 Alarm | CW | 800 |
Pilot Professional Chronograph Auto: 597.22 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Pilot Professional Chronograph Black: 597.18 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Pilot Professional Day/Date: 595.22 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
Pilot Professional Day/Date Black: 595.18 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
Pilot Professional GMT: 596.22 | Automatic 2893-2 | Both | 650 |
Pilot Professional GMT Black: 596.18 | Automatic 2893-2 | Both | 650 |
Pilot Professional Ltd. Ed. – Chronograph Alarm Platinum: 599.70.11 | F2001 Alarm | CW | 800 |
Pilot Professional Ltd. Ed. – DUCATI: 597.22.141.21 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
Pit Stop Jean Tinguely | Both | 650 | |
Spaceleader Ltd. Ed. – By VOLKSWAGEN DESIGN: 661.20.31 K | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Spacematic Chronograph: 625.22 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Spacematic Chronograph Alarm: 627.22 | F2001 Alarm | CW | 800 |
Spacematic Day-Date: 623.22 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
Spacematic GMT: 624.22 | Automatic 2893-2 | Both | 650 |
Spacematic Ltd. Ed. – Swiss II Fighter Squadron: 625.22 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Spacematic Limited Edition 2012 | Both | 650 | |
Spacematic Yuri Gagarin GMT | Both | 650 | |
Spacemleader Chrono by VolksWagen | CW | 800 | |
Square Automatic: 653.10 | Automatic 2836-2 | Both | 650 |
Square Chronograph: 667.10 | Automatic 7750 | CW | 800 |
Square Ltd. Ed. – Swiss International Airlines UTC: 652.10.148 | Automatic 2893 | Both | 650 |
How to Properly Use and Set the Fortis Watch Winder?
If for some reason you don’t have access to your watch’s user guide, here are some more detailed tips to help you set up the Fortis watch with your automatic watch winder:
Step 1: Manual Wind First
Since your winder will not wind a watch that is completely stopped, start by turning the crown 20 to 30 times to manually wind the Fortis.
Step 2: Secure the Watch in the Winder
Carefully place the watch into the winder, making sure it is fully seated in the holder. Then adjust the TPD to the lowest setting and select bidirectional rotation mode.
Step 3: Turn it on & Adjust Settings
Turn on the winder. During the next 48 hours or so, periodically check that the watch is still keeping accurate time.
Generally speaking, an automatic watch has about 40 hours of reserve time since it is wound. Here’s what to do depending on your situation:
- If Time is Accurate After 2 Days: You’ve found the right setting! Your watch is good to go, and there’s no need to adjust further.
- If Time is Incorrect: Increase the Turns Per Day (TPD) setting to the next level, reset the winder, and let it run for another 48 hours.
- Still Wrong? Try Clockwise Only: If the watch is still losing or gaining time, set the winder to rotate clockwise only. After another two days, check again.
- Last resort – Counterclockwise Only: If the time is still off, switch the setting to counterclockwise only and monitor again for two days.
Does Fortis Recommend using a Watch Winder?
Fortis has not explicitly stated whether it recommends the use of watch winders.
Although not endorsed, many professional watchmakers agree that the use of a reliable watch winder from a reputable watch winder brand (e.g. Wolf, Mozsly, Barrington) can effectively wind a Fortis automatically. The correct TPD setting is essential to avoid over-winding the movement.
So, to summarize – regular wear is the best option, but a quality watch winder can provide a convenient solution for in-between wearing.
What is the Best Watch Winder for Fortis?
If you are considering a watch winder, it is vital that you choose a high quality that meets the specific requirements of your Fortis watch.
Here are two recommended options:
MOZSLY® Single Watch Winder – Black Leather
Material: Wooden Box, PU Leather, Acrylic Board
Dimensions: 4.4 x 6 x 4.4 inches
Features: 4 modes with TPD settings from 650 to 1500, multiple winding directions, upgraded Japanese Mabuchi Motor, anti-magnetization design, dual power type, 3-year warranty, 100% handmade
MOZSLY® Double Watch Winder -Orange Leather
Material: Wooden Box, PU Leather, Acrylic Board
Size: 8.8 x 5.9 x 4.7 inches
Features: Supports two watches simultaneously, quiet motor, adjustable settings, upgraded Mabuchi motor, and 3-year warranty
MOZSLY watch winders use high-quality upgraded Japanese Mabuchi motors, a well-known brand that manufactures precision motors. These motors keep the noise below 10 db so it will give you a very quiet experience even if you put it in your bedroom. The internal motor is closed and can be separated from the watch so that the Fortis will not be magnetized and affect the running time.
Mozsly watch winders come with a 36-month warranty and friendly customer support, making it easy to buy with confidence!
In Conclusion
Choosing a Mozsly watch winder is a smart choice for Fortis owners who want to preserve the accuracy and longevity of their timepieces.
Just make sure to select the right TPD and rotation settings, following Fortis’s guidelines for best results. With a Mozsly winder, you’ll enjoy the elegance of your Fortis, always ticking perfectly, year after year.
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