This DIY watch winder, powered by the widely available Bambu Lab TT motor, offers an affordable solution for watch enthusiasts. The motor, which I measured to spin at approximately 45 RPM, is slowed down to 0.5 RPM using a 90:1 gear ratio. This results in around 750 rotations per day, an ideal range to keep most automatic watches wound. However, some watch movements can be prone to overwinding, so it’s important to research your specific watch. The winding assembly is mounted on a 65-degree stand to ensure proper rotor movement, even in budget-friendly automatic movements like the NH35 in my watch. Additionally, I included a cutout for a 20mm diameter toggle switch, making it easy to switch the device on and off once wired up (the switches I ordered are still on the way). I also extended the motor wire by splicing in a few extra feet, allowing the unit to reach an outlet from my desired location.

Parts list:

2x M2 12mm

1x M2 16mm

2x M2 6mm

Bambu lab TT Motor

20mm toggle switch (optional)

Sizing guide

The included files have a holder piece that fits my watch with my wrist having a circumference of around 18mm which is quite small and might require scaling to fit your own watch. You can scale the piece in the bambu slicer by scaling the Z axis with non uniform unchecked.

Not Scaled Up:

Scaled Up:

Printing notes:

I recommend using a .2 extruder for the gears but a .4 would work with maybe some loss in speed and efficiency.

Some of the supported surfaces can be rough but they are hidden for the most part.

Assembly tips:

For ALL gears that are screwed down screw them down with light force and then back the screw off about a quarter turn as to allow the gear to spin smoothly.

Be gentle when finding the threads to screw into as the suspended parts are fragile.

Disclaimer:

This will not compete with off the shelf watch winders in terms of sound and smooth rotations as the motor is very cheap. There for I would not enjoy sleeping in the same room with this thing on as it is quite loud. It is also a bit shuddery at some points in the rotation as the motor is under strain. I did my best using this motor but its still a functional model, great to turn on when out of the house of show off to friends.

Assembly instructions:

Take the TT Motor and attach the 90 degree bevel gear:

Take the 100 tooth gear with the 10 tooth gear on the top and screw it down to the middle mount under the supported area using an M2 12mm:

Install the Motor to the base with some sticky tac or double sided tape or even a drop of glue do your best to line up the center of the bevel gear inline with the close mounting point:

Now screw down the second bevel gear using the M2 16mm with the 10 tooth side down so it meshes with both adjacent gears:

Now the 90 tooth gear with an M2 12mm:

Now the 19 tooth gear with an M2 6mm be gentle as to not break the supported part:

The final gear with the cross is to be screwed down with an M2 6mm:

Now add the walls:

And top enclosure:

And the rotating assembly making sure the the cross from the gear slots into the cross cutout on the part. your will know if it is seated if the top is flush:

Now place assembly on stand, put your watch on and your done!