Cost of new balanced jewels?

[Zack]

A female friend of mine has Rolex model 69160. About 5 years ago she was told that she needs new balanced jewels. Can anyone tell me how much that would cost to do? Also what does that consist of? Thanks in advance for any info.

[Floridadogg]

It involves a silicone implant on the lighter side. Takes about a month to heal.

[Tools]

Zack.

The Balance wheel is the most important part of your watch. Without it's invention, you would not have a wristwatch.

In laymans language:
Think of the balance wheel inside your watch as the brother of the pendelum on a Grandfather clock. The pendelum swings back and forth and at each swing, it disengages a lever allowing the main drive cog to advanace one notch - and everything goes around.

The balance wheel does the same thing. The balance wheel has an "axle" through the center and the "axle" shaft has jewels that it pivots on at each end as a bearing surface. As the balance wheel pivots on it's jewels, a lever engages/disengages the drive wheel cog - everything goes around.

A modern watch only needs 7 jewels to function with great accuracy. All of them are related to the balance.

[Zack]

So she'll need to get a new balance wheel and 7 jewels replaced?

lol...Floridadogg you wouldn't want to see the unbalanced jewels on her.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Irishcajun

So she'll need to get a new balance wheel and 7 jewels replaced?

Don't know..

If the Jeweler is correct, probably the 2 restraining jewels (at each end of the balance shaft, and the 2 cap jewels that hold the shaft centered.

There are also 2 for the pallet and 1 on the balance wheel roller....probably not as much wear..

This condition is caused by not having a regular cleaning and oiling done. You end up with metal to jewel contact, and just like a gristmill, the stone and the steel both wear down...

I would expect that it is not a terribly expensive operation by Rolex standards.. But you say this was 5 years ago.... it may need a new balance wheel assembly..

[Tools]

Here is a pic of jewel locations for the Balance wheel and 7 jewels located at Number 1. The shaft has both a hole jewel and cap jewel at each end for 4, the pallet is the little Y shaped lever with a roller jewel against a wheel shaft fulcrum that rocks (ticks) back and forth. At the other end of the pallet is the 2 jewels that rock between the teeth of the cog and - tick - tock, it all goes around...

[Robb]

Originally Posted by Floridadogg

It involves a silicone implant on the lighter side. Takes about a month to heal.

[Tools]

Personally, I always prefer to keep my jewels balanced....

[roadcarver]

LOL!

Originally Posted by Floridadogg

It involves a silicone implant on the lighter side. Takes about a month to heal.

[Zack]

Thanks for the info Larry. I'm starting to understand now.