Best Watch Winder for Azimuth | Tempus Luxury
Founded in Neuchâtel in 2003 by Alvin Lye and Chan Tze Man, Azimuth is Swiss watchmaking's provocateur. Inspired by industrial design and vintage automobiles — a BMW 507 dashboard here, a ship's chronometer there — its watches look like nothing else on the market, and that is entirely the point.
From the spinning Sp-I Roulette to the retrograde collections, Azimuth automatics are conversation pieces that deserve to be running when the conversation starts. A winder keeps them wound and ready to wear.
Azimuth TPD Requirements
Most Azimuth automatics settle at 650 TPD bi-directional, the industry standard for three-hand calibres. The exceptions are the BMF chronograph calibres — the Chrono Mecha1 BMF and Guage Mecha Gost Chrono — which want 800 TPD clockwise.
| Model | Recommended Setting |
|---|---|
| Azimuth Sp-I Roulette | 650 TPD, bi-directional |
| Azimuth Chrono Mecha1 BMF | 800 TPD, clockwise |
| Azimuth Mecha1 BMF | 650 TPD, bi-directional |
| Azimuth Bi-retrograde | 650 TPD, bi-directional |
| Azimuth Retrograde Minutes Jour et Nuit | 650 TPD, bi-directional |
Tap any model above for its full settings page, including movement reference and setup advice.
What to Look for in a Winder for Azimuth
A winder with programmable TPD covering both 650 bi-directional and 800 clockwise. If your collection spans a Roulette and a BMF chronograph, independent per-rotor settings let each get exactly what it needs.
Beyond the numbers, the fundamentals still apply: whisper-quiet operation so the winder can live in a bedroom, a secure holder that grips without marking the case, and a rest-friendly rotation pattern that mimics natural wear. Every Tempus winder is built around these, with programmable TPD, three winding directions and a 3-year warranty as standard.
Three Tempus Winders for Azimuth Owners
- Tempus 2 Biometric (£446) — fingerprint security for valuable avant-garde pieces.
- Tempus 4 Touch Screen (£746) — four rotors for a growing unconventional collection.
- Tempus 12 Biometric (£2,096) — serious capacity for the serious collector.
Why Azimuth Owners Bother With a Winder
Azimuth watches are bought to be noticed — a dead watch with its retrograde hands parked at zero tells no story. A winder keeps your Azimuth alive on the wrist-stand and ready to wear, so the Roulette spins and the retrograde hands sweep the moment you pick it up.
Single vs Multi-Watch for Azimuth
Azimuth collectors rarely stop at one — the designs are too distinctive. A double winder suits a Roulette-and-daily-wear pairing, while a 4- or 6-watch unit with independent settings handles a mixed Azimuth collection where a BMF chronograph needs 800 clockwise and everything else takes 650 bi-directional. One power supply, one footprint, the whole avant-garde ticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Azimuth watches need a watch winder?
No automatic watch needs a winder — but without one, your Azimuth will run down after a couple of days off the wrist. For watches bought to be seen in motion, a winder keeps the show running.
What happens if the TPD setting is wrong?
Nothing dramatic. Modern automatics have a slipping mainspring that prevents overwinding, so an incorrect setting cannot damage the movement — the watch simply may not stay fully wound. Use the table above as your starting point.
Can Tempus winders handle Azimuth's 800 TPD chronographs?
Yes. Tempus winders offer programmable TPD with clockwise, counter-clockwise and bi-directional modes, covering both the standard 650 bi-directional Azimuth models and the 800 TPD clockwise BMF chronographs.
What warranty do Tempus winders carry?
Every Tempus watch winder includes a 3-year warranty. Tempus can also repair any Tempus-brand winder even after the warranty period has ended.
For model-specific settings, see our TPD settings guide.
What TPD setting does an Azimuth Sp-I Roulette need?
The Azimuth Sp-I Roulette needs 650 TPD bi-directional. Set your Tempus winder to 650 TPD bi-directional and the Roulette will stay perfectly wound — its spinning roulette disc is display-only and does not affect winding.
Do Azimuth's avant-garde designs need special winder care?
No. Despite their unconventional looks, Azimuth watches use conventional automatic movements. A standard Tempus holder grips the case securely regardless of the dial design — just match the TPD and direction from the table above.
Can I wind an Azimuth with other brands together?
Yes. Most Azimuth models use 650 TPD bi-directional, the industry standard shared by Rolex, Omega and many others. The 800 TPD clockwise BMF chronographs need their own setting — Tempus multi-watch winders set each rotor independently.
Will a winder damage my Azimuth?
No. Modern automatic movements have a slipping mainspring that prevents overwinding, so a winder cannot damage your Azimuth. Tempus winders use quiet Japanese and German motors and come with a 3-year warranty.
What is the best Tempus winder for an Azimuth collection?
The Tempus 2 Biometric (£446) suits most Azimuth owners — fingerprint security for valuable avant-garde pieces, with independent settings for the occasional 800 TPD chronograph.