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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Complication · Display

Winding State Indicator

Partially verified

A simple indicator showing whether a watch is being wound or is in its running state.

Definition

A simple indicator showing whether a watch is being wound or is in its running state.

Historical origin

Common in early keyless works to show the position of the clutch.

How it works

A small window or hand changes color or position when the crown is pulled out to the setting position.

Pocket watch context

Found in some early keyless pocket watches (e.g., Audemars Piguet).

Wristwatch context

Found in modern watches from Richard Mille and Grönefeld.

Identification

  • Indicator showing 'W' (Wind), 'S' (Set), and sometimes 'N' (Neutral)

Servicing notes

A mechanical interlock linked to the keyless works.

General guidance only. Complicated mechanisms should be assessed and serviced by a qualified watchmaker or clockmaker specialist, not adjusted at home.

Diagram

crownsliding clutchsetting wheelswinding pinion and ratchet
Schematic: keyless winding and hand setting. An outline schematic drawn to show the arrangement of the parts discussed here. It is not a dimensioned working drawing and does not depict a particular maker's calibre.

Sources & references

  1. de Carle, D., Watch and Clock Encyclopedia
  2. Britten, F. J., Old Clocks and Watches and Their Makers
  3. Horological Journal (British Horological Institute), technical articles

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.