Balance Wheel

A crucial component in a mechanical movement that oscillates back and forth, regulating the release of energy from the mainspring to the gear train. The balance wheel works in tandem with the balance spring (hairspring) to maintain consistent timing and ensure the accuracy of the watch.

Key features of the balance wheel:

• Oscillation: The balance wheel swings at a specific frequency, typically measured in vibrations per hour (vph) or hertz (Hz). Common frequencies include 18,000, 21,600, or 28,800 vph.
• Material: Traditionally made from metals like brass or alloys, modern balance wheels often include materials resistant to temperature changes and magnetism, such as Glucydur.
• Adjustment: High-quality balance wheels may have screws or weights around the rim for fine-tuning, allowing for better timekeeping accuracy.

Functions of the balance wheel:

• Time Regulation: Governs the rate at which the escapement releases energy, directly impacting the precision of the watch.
• Consistency: Works with the balance spring to create steady oscillations, regardless of position or movement of the watch.