Automatic watch winder reviews
The unit feels a lot more solid that winders from China, I can easily say that.
Watch winders are still sort of a niche product, so you get the sense that a smaller dedicated factory is putting these devices together. You get the feeling that the devices are made by engineers and watch enthusiasts – as opposed to some corporate committee. Orbita does mostly their own manufacturing as far as I can tell.
Feels nice and looks good on a wardrobe or shelf.
#Automatic watch winder reviews skin#
The body is quality plastic and the white is a faux lizard skin material that has a semi-metallic look (there are also faux leather versions available). Overall the construction of the winder is good. First is the fact that the winder uses very little power, and second is because of mAh rating of the batteries is very high. The good news is that you won’t have to worry about this too often as the batteries last for at least 5-7 years. The batteries aren’t the type you can buy at your local drug store, but they are available online and directly from Orbita. The battery powered version uses special lithium ion batteries that are the same size as a D cell battery. The plug separates from the back of the unit so that Orbita can sell the unit in various countries and supply the right plug type for that region. The unit comes with plug that attaches to the rear of the unit. The AC powered model is pretty straight forward. You just need to decide which is right for you. I really would have liked the unit to do both of these things, and have the option to run off of either type of power, but it isn’t that big of a deal. It is prudent to mention right off the bat that the Sparta is available in both AC (plug-in) powered, and battery powered models (the Sparta 1 Min and Sparta Open respectively). I haven’t always been so keen on all Orbita watch winders, but this model does the task of winding very well – with next to no fuss. One of the best things about this Sparta 1 Mini is the refinement and winding mechanism. Orbita makes many watch winders in beautiful woods, or for multiple watches, so those are also available – but in all, there is no really “better” way to wind watches that what you are provided with here. The Sparta 1 Mini is a basic and inexpensive model from Orbita, but does everything you want it to do for winding a single automatic mechanical watch.