Orbita "partnered" with a well-known Lithium battery manufacturer and worked with them to develop this proprietary "D" cell sized battery that met Orbita's special watch winder needs. These batteries are intended for use in Specific Orbita Winders which already are using the same style battery, do not use this battery in any other device or watch winder. It will not work and may cause damage to the other product, these batteries were specially made for the Sparta and Privee watch winder series only.
THINKING AHEAD 5 YEARS
Since we introduced Orbita's new series of Sparta watch winders fitted with Lithium batteries with a guaranteed battery life of 5 years, we have had a few folks who were concerned about availability of replacements. You may buy them from us today, but we do not recommend purchasing the battery until you actually need it, or at least within the year of needing a replacement.
The big question?
"Do we have to buy them from WatchCases.com or Orbita?"
The answer is, yes you can but no you do not have to.
These “D” cell batteries are available worldwide, probably not at the local drugstore, but surely on the web from many different battery suppliers.
Simply search for Lithium Thionyl Chloride, 3.6V, 19,000 mAH to find a source.
No rush!! Orbita's testing indicates that battery life can be as long as 8-10 years in Rotorwind products and 5 years in the Privee.
This type of battery is not rechargeable. Do not try to recharge. Branded Replacements only cost about $80 retail for the set and that price should go down as more lithium makers come on line since lithium is the new green! We will be selling these at our cost plus our markup and can not offer discounts or free shipping on this product.
The storage area should be clean, cool (not exceeding +30 Deg C ), dry and ventilated.
Don't use different models of battery in series. (That is never put in a non matching battery with this type battery. Use 2 identical batteries, replace both at the same time.)
Do not use if the battery casing is mangled or damage in any way.
These batteries have a shelf life of 7 - 10 years.