Longines watches are renowned for their elegance, precision, and rich heritage in watchmaking. Understanding the TPD (Turns Per Day) and winding direction is crucial for maintaining these luxury automatic timepieces. Here's a comprehensive guide for various Longines models:

Most modern Longines automatic watches have a standard TPD range of 650-800 and use bidirectional winding. This is due to Longines' use of high-quality ETA movements (often modified), which are designed for optimal performance and longevity.

When using a watch winder for your Longines, it's generally recommended to start with 650 TPD and adjust up to 800 TPD if needed, always with bidirectional rotation to maintain optimal performance. The bidirectional setting allows the watch to wind in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, mimicking the natural movement of the wrist.

Experimenting with TPD Settings

If you're unsure about the specific TPD setting for your Longines watch or want to fine-tune its performance, you can experiment with different settings. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you find the optimal TPD for your Longines:

1. Start by manually winding your watch. Turn the crown 20 to 30 times to ensure it's fully wound.
2. Place your watch in the winder and set it to the lowest TPD setting (650 for Longines watches) with bidirectional rotation.
3. Run the winder for 48 hours, periodically checking if the watch is keeping accurate time.
4. If the watch is still keeping accurate time after two days, you've found the right setting.
5. If the watch is losing time, increase the TPD setting slightly (e.g., to 750) and repeat the 48-hour test.
6. Continue adjusting and testing until you find the lowest TPD setting that keeps your watch running accurately, not exceeding 800 TPD.

Remember that Longines watches typically have a power reserve of about 38-72 hours, depending on the model and movement. If your watch is still running accurately after 48 hours on the winder, it indicates that the winder is providing sufficient turns to keep the mainspring wound.

Additional Considerations

While experimenting with TPD settings can help you find the optimal winding for your Longines, keep these points in mind:

• Over-winding is generally not a concern with modern Longines watches, as they have built-in mechanisms to prevent damage from excessive winding.
• If you wear your watch regularly, you may not need to keep it on a winder constantly. Winders are most useful for watches that aren't worn daily.
• The natural movement of your wrist while wearing the watch is still the best method for keeping it wound and running accurately.
• Some Longines models, especially those with complications or specific movements like the L888 caliber, may have slightly different winding requirements. Always refer to your watch's manual for precise instructions.
• Longines' use of silicon balance springs in some models enhances performance and magnetic resistance but doesn't typically affect winding requirements.

For more detailed information on watch winder settings and recommendations, you can refer to our comprehensive guide: Watch Winder Settings Guide: Recommended Turns Per Day (TPD).

Remember, while using a watch winder can be convenient, it's also beneficial to wear your Longines regularly. The natural movement of your wrist provides the best winding for your timepiece and allows you to enjoy its elegant design and precision fully.

Always consult your watch's specific manual or a professional watchmaker for the best care instructions for your particular Longines model, especially if you have a vintage piece or a watch with complex features.