What Is a Balance Wheel?
The balance wheel is a key component of a mechanical watch, integral to its timekeeping function. It is a weighted wheel that oscillates back and forth, controlled by a balance spring (also known as the hairspring). This wheel’s primary function is to regulate the movement of the watch, ensuring consistent and precise timekeeping. It works in tandem with the escapement, which delivers impulses to the balance wheel to keep it oscillating at a precise rate.
How Does the Balance Wheel Function?
The balance wheel operates around its axis in a continuous alternating motion, swinging in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. This motion is directly influenced by the coiling and uncoiling of the balance spring, which acts as a restoring force to return the wheel to its center position. Each oscillation of the balance wheel advances the gear train, which in turn moves the hands of the watch. The precision of this oscillation is fundamental to the accuracy of the timepiece, and it is typically measured in vibrations per hour (vph). Modern mechanical watches often operate at frequencies of 21,600 vph or 28,800 vph, translating to 6 or 8 beats per second.
Why Is the Balance Wheel Important?
The balance wheel and its associated hairspring form the regulating organ of a watch. Its construction and balance are critical to the watch's accuracy. Any imbalance in the wheel or irregularities in the hairspring can significantly impact the precision of the timepiece, making the balance wheel one of the most important elements in horological design.
At Just In Time, we offer a collection of timepieces where the balance wheel is crafted with exceptional precision, showcasing the expertise and attention to detail that define high-end mechanical watches.
