An old Hairspring tool
Discussion
I have had this sitting around for a few years. Having no knowledge of what it was used for, I took it to the local jewellers and found out that it adjusts the timing of a hairspring to fit a particular balance. It was used from around 1910/1920 and the jewellers grandad remembered using it when he was an apprentice.
You probably don't get to see these everyday so just thought I would share with anyone who is interested in these type of items.
You probably don't get to see these everyday so just thought I would share with anyone who is interested in these type of items.
pacman1 said:
C'mon, don't stop there, how's it work then?!
LOL, I don't know much more to be honest. He didn't give me a demonstration which is a shame. When you pull the lever down (the bit sticking out where it says "Bienne") the whole top half rotates to the left. There is also a little knob on the dial which (unfortunately is not attached) should be attached to the inner workings and that turns the inside dial. Then there are adjustable tweezers leading onto the dial.
Maybe someone else on here would do a better job at explaining if they know about it?
Some more close up pics
In this picture you can see the spring which has become detached from the inside.
Edited by cslgirl on Sunday 21st November 09:04
They're awesome. They're for finding the studding point on a new hairspring. The balance under the glass is a carefully timed balance, usually to 18,000 VPH.
When you had to fit a new balance (or new hairspring) you would place your new one on the glass, grip the spring between the points in approximately the right place, then set both in motion using the lever. You would be able to visually tell if your balance was deviating from the master one and move the point at which the grip held the spring appropriately.
When both balances were behaving the same, you knew where to fit the stud to the balance. On modern watches the harsprings come pre-cut, studded and ready to go, so they're not really used much today except for older watches
When you had to fit a new balance (or new hairspring) you would place your new one on the glass, grip the spring between the points in approximately the right place, then set both in motion using the lever. You would be able to visually tell if your balance was deviating from the master one and move the point at which the grip held the spring appropriately.
When both balances were behaving the same, you knew where to fit the stud to the balance. On modern watches the harsprings come pre-cut, studded and ready to go, so they're not really used much today except for older watches
NeMiSiS said:
What a loverly thing, I would buy something like that just for the sake of it. The fact that I would never use it would be unimportant.
Excellent pictures by the way, what do you use, any tips for us.
It is indeed lovely.Excellent pictures by the way, what do you use, any tips for us.
LOL, I know I have a crap camera
and am crap at taking pics.. glazbagun said:
They're awesome. They're for finding the studding point on a new hairspring. The balance under the glass is a carefully timed balance, usually to 18,000 VPH.
When you had to fit a new balance (or new hairspring) you would place your new one on the glass, grip the spring between the points in approximately the right place, then set both in motion using the lever. You would be able to visually tell if your balance was deviating from the master one and move the point at which the grip held the spring appropriately.
When both balances were behaving the same, you knew where to fit the stud to the balance. On modern watches the harsprings come pre-cut, studded and ready to go, so they're not really used much today except for older watches
Wow, thank you for the detailed info When you had to fit a new balance (or new hairspring) you would place your new one on the glass, grip the spring between the points in approximately the right place, then set both in motion using the lever. You would be able to visually tell if your balance was deviating from the master one and move the point at which the grip held the spring appropriately.
When both balances were behaving the same, you knew where to fit the stud to the balance. On modern watches the harsprings come pre-cut, studded and ready to go, so they're not really used much today except for older watches
appreciated 
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