whit
558
No, endless winding is not normal.
Winding my 3970 fully requires more turns than other manual wind Pateks such as a 3919, but it is by no means endless. You should come to a stop at some point.
I find on other basic manual wind Pateks, I come to a stop after 18-20 turns, the 3970 requires more. I haven't counted but maybe 30 turns until it comes to a stop.
I have seen some folks wind a 3919 and it takes them 30-40 turns until they come to a stop because they are tentative and the turns are smaller and less efficient ... afraid they may harm the watch by over-winding.
When you wind it "endlessly", how long does the watch function? My 3970 will run for about 60 hours when fully wound.
Congratulations on your purchase, a great watch I'm sure you'll enjoy.
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Winding a 3970
By: Calatrava : June 27th, 2014-15:45
Winding a 3970 I just purchased a 3970 EJ from 1991. It appears to be in very good condition. However, when winding the watch, it can be wound endlessly; this is to say, the winding does not stop like the other manual winding watches that I have. Is this ...
60 full winds
By: watch-er : July 4th, 2014-09:37
These watches should take 60 or so full winds and run for 60 to 65 hours, 60 winds is a lot so let the watch run fully down and turn it 60 winds at that point you should hit the hard detent and the watch can no longer be wound. These movements do not have...
Strange winding
By: Calatrava : July 4th, 2014-11:21
Thanks watch-er. This is what is so strange: 1. The watch is keeping perfect timing, even with the chronograph activated. 2. I can wind it on an on and it will not stop. I did what you suggested, and could wind it beyond 60 winds. 3. When would, I will co...