Balance Wheel

The term “Balance Wheel” refers to a crucial component found in mechanical watches. It is an oscillating wheel that works in conjunction with the escapement mechanism to regulate the timekeeping accuracy of the watch.

The balance wheel is typically made of a metal alloy, such as stainless steel or a special type of alloy called Glucydur, which offers excellent stability and resistance to temperature changes. It is mounted on a delicate balance staff and supported by a jewel bearing, which reduces friction and allows smooth rotation.

The balance wheel oscillates back and forth, or side to side, at a specific frequency, which is typically several times per second. This oscillation is made possible by a hairspring, also known as a balance spring, which is coiled around the balance staff. The hairspring provides the restoring force that pulls the balance wheel back to its center position after each swing. The back-and-forth motion of the balance wheel is controlled by the escapement mechanism, which releases the wheel in small increments and ensures that the energy from the watch’s mainspring is transferred to the wheel at a consistent rate. This regulated energy transfer keeps the watch’s timekeeping accurate.

The balance wheel’s frequency, or rate of oscillation, is adjusted during the watch’s assembly and calibration to achieve the desired timekeeping precision. The watchmaker can modify the effective length of the hairspring by adjusting its point of attachment on the balance staff. By doing so, the watchmaker can speed up or slow down the oscillation of the balance wheel, thereby affecting the watch’s overall accuracy.

In summary, the balance wheel is a crucial component in a mechanical watch that, along with the escapement mechanism and hairspring, regulates the timekeeping accuracy of the Invicta timepiece. Its oscillation and adjustment play a vital role in ensuring the watch’s precise and consistent timekeeping.