Unlike basic timing machines, the WAIO is a full diagnostic platform. It measures mechanical performance, quartz accuracy, shock detection, magnetisation and case tightness. It also records, stores and exports every result through Wicotrace 360°, ensuring full documentation is tied to each watch. This level of transparency makes our process measurable rather than anecdotal. 

Primarily, the WAIO listens to the heartbeat of a mechanical movement. It measures accuracy, amplitude and beat error, and it does this across four positions (crown up, crown down, dial up and dial down) and not one, just as a proper watch test should. This gives us a much clearer picture of how a watch is performing on the wrist, not just sitting flat on a bench. It means we can see if the movement is running within an acceptable range, if the balance is healthy and whether there are any early signs that attention may be needed.

Beyond timing performance, the WAIO also allows us to demagnetise watches safely and professionally. Magnetisation is one of the most common causes of erratic timekeeping in mechanical watches, and it often goes unnoticed. Being able to demagnetise in house ensures your watch is not affected by everyday magnetic fields before it leaves us. 

We also use the WAIO for pressure testing, checking the integrity of seals and cases after inspection. This is especially important for sports and dive watches, and it adds another layer of assurance that the watch is fit for real world wear. 

The Witschi WAIO also lets us store and document test results for each watch. When a piece leaves Crown Vintage, we know exactly how it was performing at that moment in time. If you ever have a question in the future, we can refer back to real data rather than assumptions.