HomeArticlesWhat Is TPD? (Turns Per Day)

Technology  ·  2026-08-04

What Is TPD? (Turns Per Day)

TPD is the number of revolutions a watch winder makes per day. Learn how to set it correctly.

Overview

TPD stands for Turns Per Day — the number of complete rotations a winder performs over 24 hours.

Typical Ranges

Most automatic movements need 650–1,000 TPD. Some older or higher-torque movements may need up to 1,200+ TPD.

Direction

Rotors wind in both directions, so many modern movements accept bi-directional programs. Some movements are sensitive to direction and require a specific setting.

Common Settings

650 TPD CW, 900 TPD CW, 1,200 TPD CW, and alternating programs are the most common factory presets on quality winders.

How to Find Your TPD

Check the watch manufacturer's manual or contact the brand. Reputable winders like Rotelux list recommended TPD settings for popular movements.

FAQ

What happens if TPD is too high? The watch will stay wound; most modern movements handle this safely. Excess TPD is less harmful than too little, but the rotor can wear faster over years.