Backwinder Watches: Ergonomics and Aesthetics

Alkiro1 · 2016-07-13T00:49:34Z

Explore the unique world of backwinder watches. Collectors discuss the ergonomics, aesthetics, and historical context of timepieces with crowns on the case back, featuring Patek Philippe, AP, and Romain Gauthier.

Alkiro1 initiates a fascinating discussion on "backwinders" – watches with crowns positioned on the case back. This post delves into the practicalities and aesthetics of this uncommon design choice, inviting collectors to share their experiences and opinions on its manipulation, comfort, and overall appeal. Alkiro1 highlights specific examples like the Patek Philippe 3569 and Audemars Piguet 25831, prompting a rich community exchange on this horological peculiarity.

We know that backwinders are not so common in the watch production (Patek 3569, AP 25831 and 25643, Futurematic...) especially today (I have no example in mind at this moment).

I do not know why but I have always been attracted by a such specificity. I though about the AP Tourbillon 25643 (not only for this element) but I finally preferred to avoid it due to the fact that at least half of the production does not work :-(.

I would like to know your feeling for the ones who experienced a such "characteristic". Is it difficult to manipulate, set the hour, disturbing on the wrist...?

Debate is open!

Some pictures

Credit: JML on WatchProSite

Credit: Watch collecting lifestyle

Credit: www.1stdibs.com

Credit: found on eBay

Best wishes

Alkiro

Key Points from the Discussion

Backwinders can be awkward to operate, with one contributor noting a chipped nail experience while winding a Romain Gauthier Prestige. This suggests a potential ergonomic drawback for manual-wind movements.
Some collectors prefer the traditional side crown, viewing it as a strong aesthetic element of a watch's appeal.
Conversely, a backwinder can offer comfort benefits by preventing the crown from digging into the wrist, especially when wearing the watch loosely.
For automatic watches like the Jaeger-LeCoultre Futurematic, the backwinder is primarily for setting the time, not winding, which mitigates some of the ergonomic concerns of manual winding.
The discussion introduces a rare Omega Central with two crowns, prompting a question about the function of each crown (one for setting, one for winding) in such a unique configuration.
Aesthetically, some collectors appreciate the purity of a watch case without a visible crown, valuing the design over traditional functionality.
The concept of backwinders might be a design element inherited from old music boxes, drawing a parallel between horological and mechanical traditions.

The Discussion

Dr No

Jul 13, 2016

So long as the winder is on the back . . .

. . . of an Omega central . . . . . . I'm all for it!

Alkiro1

Jul 13, 2016

I did not know it. A very nice piece indeed. I saw a blue night lacquered dial version on the web. It is a "Trésor" for sure ;-)

Do you know why Omega decided to use two crowns? The backwinder serves to set the hour so I suppose the "classic" crown at 3 is used for rewind. I never saw two crowns before. Really interesting. Thank you for your comment and the picture. Best wishes Alkiro

Dr No

Jul 13, 2016

You're right, Alkiro. The crown . . .

. . . at 3 o'clock powers the movement, while the crown recessed into the back is for time-setting. The gearing layout dictated the specialization of functions. Cordially, Art

Alkiro1

Jul 13, 2016

Very unusual. I do not know if another model used this configuration

Thank you Art Best wishes Alkiro

Alkiro1

Jul 13, 2016

Massi just answered to the question with the Lange 31 ;-)

It is just the opposite functions of the omega crowns Best wishes Alkiro

Alkiro1

Jul 13, 2016

In the same spirit but without backwinder, this watch named Incipiens and designed by Clément Gaud could be interested

A link with a little movie inside. Really love how shooting stars can be used to show seconds, minutes and hours. Very lovely IMHO Best wishes Alkiro

Backwinder Watches: Ergonomics and Aesthetics

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation