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Single watch winder under a glass dome with gyroscopic rings - ASTROLABE

Sale price $315.00 USD

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Dans la boîte

  • 1 watch winder 1 watch under a gyroscopic ring bell jar
  • 2 cushions (large and small)

Everything you need to know

Under a bell jar Gyroscopic rings Some watch winders hide away in a case; ASTROLABE puts on a show. This automatic watch winder displays your timepiece in the center of a double gyroscopic ring, mounted like a gimbal, which pivots 360° under a transparent bell jar. The entire assembly rests on a compact, matte black round base that fits perfectly on a bedside table, desk, or bookshelf. Three ring finishes are available—black, gold, or silver—to match the object to your watch or decor. Usage is simple: a front-mounted switch, a selector on the back, and three programs that alternate between two minutes of rotation and a pause of 4, 13, or 18 minutes, in a loop. Two cushions are provided, one for men's watches and the other for smaller wrists. At approximately 600g and with its scientific instrument silhouette, ASTROLABE keeps your automatic watch on time while becoming a true decorative piece.

Available finishes

BLACK
Black ringsBlack rings and base: a monochrome, understated, and contemporary ensemble
GOLD
Gold ringsGold rings on a matte black base: the spirit of antique navigation instruments
SILVER
Silver ringsSilver rings on a matte black base: elegant with steel watches

From astrolabe to gimbal: rings to follow the movement

The astrolabe is an astronomy and navigation instrument made of interlocking metal circles, used since antiquity to measure the altitude of celestial bodies. Armillary spheres, its cousins, represented the sky using rings pivoting within one another. Later, the gimbal suspension, two rings articulated on perpendicular axes, allowed a marine compass to remain horizontal despite the roll of a ship. This is the principle used by the ASTROLABE watch holder.

For an automatic watch, the rotation is used to drive the rotor, the oscillating mass that winds the mainspring. The winder rotates the watch for 2 minutes, then lets it rest for 4, 13, or 18 minutes depending on the chosen program, in a loop. The longer the pause, the gentler the tension: the program is adapted to the power reserve and the watch manufacturer's recommendations.

Why you will love it

✦
A decorative objectThe gyroscopic rings under a bell jar transform winding into a slow, hypnotic spectacle.
⚙
Three programs2 minutes of rotation followed by a pause of 4, 13, or 18 minutes: you choose the intensity.
◆
A protected watchThe transparent bell jar keeps the watch free of dust while leaving it visible.
➤
Two cushions providedA large one for men's watches, a small one for women's watches.
❖
A compact formatApproximately 12 cm in diameter: it fits on a bedside table or a corner of a desk.
★
Three finishesBlack, gold, or silver rings to match your watch or your interior.

An instrument for time

On the deck of a ship, a few centuries ago, the navigator would raise their astrolabe toward the noon sun. The brass rings would shine, the alidade would pivot, and one would finally know where they were. Measuring the sky was already a way of measuring time.

ASTROLABE extends this dialogue between astronomy and horology. Your watch rests at the center of its rings, like a planet at the heart of its sphere, turning slowly, stopping, and then starting again. Under the transparent bell jar, each rotation becomes a little event that one watches without ever growing tired.

In the morning, simply lift the bell jar to find a watch on time and with the correct date, ready to return to your wrist. In the evening, it returns to its instrument, and the cycle begins anew. In the meantime, the object will have caught more than one glance: placed in an office, it intrigues visitors, who often wonder if it is a clock, an observatory model, or a kinetic sculpture.

Setting up ASTROLABE

1
Place the base and connect the power. Install the winder on a flat, stable surface, then connect a suitable power supply to the 5V DC jack located at the back.
2
Choose the cushion and install the watch. Large cushion for a man's watch, small for a woman's watch: fasten the strap around it, then attach the cushion to the center of the rings.
3
Select the program. On the back, choose between the three cycles: 2 minutes of rotation followed by a pause of 4, 13, or 18 minutes.
4
Turn it on, then replace the bell jar. Flip the switch on the front, check that the watch rotates freely, then gently cover the whole assembly with the transparent bell jar.

Choosing your program

Program Rotation Pause For what use?
Short program 2 min 4 min Most frequent rotations, for a watch that struggles to stay running
Intermediate program 2 min 13 min A good compromise for most automatic watches
Gentle program 2 min 18 min The lightest tension, for a watch with a long power reserve

Good to know: ASTROLABE accommodates a single watch. Do you prefer a wooden base or need to wind multiple pieces? Our CHRONO DOME wooden bell jar winder and our multi-watch models are gathered in our selection of automatic watch winders.

Tip: Start with the intermediate program for a few days, then observe your watch. If it stops or loses time, switch to the short program; if it stays perfectly on time, the gentle program is sufficient and easier on the mechanism. Before the first use, always wind a stopped watch with a few turns of the crown. Finally, place the winder out of direct sunlight: the transparent bell jar concentrates heat, which leather straps do not appreciate.

Technical characteristics

Type Winder for 1 automatic watch
Support Double gyroscopic ring pivoting 360°
Protection Transparent bell jar
Base Round, matte black
Finishes Black rings; Gold rings; Silver rings
Programs 3 cycles: 2 min of rotation followed by a pause of 4, 13, or 18 min, in a loop
Controls Front power switch, program selector on the back
Power supply 5V DC jack on the back (power supply mode provided not specified)
Cushions 2 provided: large (men's) and small (women's)
Diameter Approximately 12.2 cm (up to 12.8 cm depending on the finish)
Height Approximately 15.5 cm
Weight Approximately 600 g

Precautions: Electrical device for indoor use: keep away from water and humidity, and unplug before cleaning. Handle the bell jar with care and never place it on an unstable surface. Do not block the rings by hand during rotation and check that the watch does not rub against the bell jar. Keep the device out of the reach of young children and pets.

A gift that gets noticed

ASTROLABE is an ideal gift to celebrate the purchase of a first automatic watch, a birthday, Father's Day, or retirement. Its antique-instrument look will appeal as much to watch enthusiasts as to astronomy and navigation fans, and it naturally finds its place in an office or library.

To complete the gift, browse our horology universe or choose a travel case from our watch cases and boxes.

Frequently asked questions

How do the three programs work?

ASTROLABE offers three cycles that all begin with 2 minutes of rotation, followed by a pause of 4, 13, or 18 minutes, then repeat in a loop. The short program increases rotations and is suitable for watches that struggle to stay running; the intermediate program is a good compromise for most automatics; the gentle program eases the mechanism of watches with a long power reserve. The selector is located on the back of the base. Start with the intermediate program, then adjust according to your watch's behavior.

Is the bell jar made of glass?

The bell jar is transparent and perfectly displays the watch and rings, but the manufacturer does not clearly specify its material in the technical documentation. We therefore prefer not to state that it is glass. Regardless of its composition, handle it with care: lift it with two hands, place it on a soft surface while installing the watch, and never leave it balanced on the edge of furniture. To clean it, use a dry or very slightly damp microfiber cloth, without abrasive products or solvents.

How is the winder powered?

ASTROLABE has a 5V DC jack on the back of the base, next to the program selector, while the on/off switch is located on the front. The 5V voltage corresponds to that of common USB-type power supplies. As the manufacturer does not clearly specify the cable or adapter included, we recommend using a quality 5V power supply and checking the plug compatibility before connecting. No battery operation is mentioned: the winder must remain plugged in to provide rotation.

Is my watch compatible?

ASTROLABE accommodates one automatic watch on one of the two provided cushions: the large one is suitable for men's watches and long bracelets, the small one for women's watches and thin wrists. Metal, leather, fabric, or rubber straps are all compatible. Since the volume under the bell jar is limited, verify that a very thick or large-diameter watch rotates freely in the center of the rings without rubbing. Quartz watches do not need a winder; manual-winding watches cannot be wound by rotation.

Do the rings really turn like a gyroscope?

The watch holder is mounted in a double ring articulated like a gimbal suspension or a decorative gyroscope, and the assembly pivots 360°. The movement is driven by the base motor during rotation phases, then stops during pauses. It is not a gyroscope in the scientific sense—which would exploit the stability of a fast-spinning top—but a display mechanism inspired by such instruments. It gives the winding process a unique visual dimension.

Which ring finish to choose?

All three versions share the same matte black round base and the same bell jar; only the shade of the rings changes. The black rings create a monochrome, discreet, and contemporary ensemble that keeps all the focus on the dial. The gold rings evoke antique navigation instruments and match gold, two-tone watches, or brown leather straps. The silver rings pair naturally with steel watches and interiors with cool tones. Choose according to your favorite watch or the room where the object will be displayed.

Is the winder noisy?

ASTROLABE operates in short 2-minute rotation phases, separated by pauses of 4 to 18 minutes: the motor is therefore at rest most of the time. The manufacturer mentions an upgraded motor for smooth rotation without providing a decibel value; therefore, we cannot give you a precise figure. In practice, this type of winder is discreet and suitable for an office or living room. For a bedroom, choose the gentle program and place the base on a stable surface that does not transmit vibrations.

 

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