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iwantagmt · 5 July 2009, 09:38 AM

It is my understanding, and firm belief, that a free sprung balance is superior to a balance with a regulator. This belief is supported by the many fine companies that use free sprung balances, like Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, FP Journe, AP, etc.

I have read that regulators introduce some positional rate errors, and can be jarred out of position, and can "creep" out of position. My question is how common are these effects seen and what is the rationale for IWC, VC, etc charging premium prices for watches with "index" regulators? Basically, why did rolex spcifically chose to go the free sprung route?Does a swan neck adjustment make any difference?

Thanks!! I am very excited for answers to my curiosity!

sheldonsmith · 5 July 2009, 11:34 PM

There was an article in Revolution magazine that asked the same question to many watchmakers with no obvious conclusion.

-Sheldon

Rikki · 10 July 2009, 11:50 AM

Possibly less parts to make and timing screws are more stable in time keeping. Lever can be moved if the watch gets jarred especially on the older models where metal fatigue can occur on the regulator which is spring steel snapped on the balance bridge. Just a thought Rik the watchmaker

5 July 2009, 09:38 AM	#1
iwantagmt "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Brandon Location: Indy: GO COLTS!!! Watch: Omega Seamaster PO Posts: 337	Specific, yet general, balance spring question... It is my understanding, and firm belief, that a free sprung balance is superior to a balance with a regulator. This belief is supported by the many fine companies that use free sprung balances, like Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, FP Journe, AP, etc. I have read that regulators introduce some positional rate errors, and can be jarred out of position, and can "creep" out of position. My question is how common are these effects seen and what is the rationale for IWC, VC, etc charging premium prices for watches with "index" regulators? Basically, why did rolex spcifically chose to go the free sprung route?Does a swan neck adjustment make any difference? Thanks!! I am very excited for answers to my curiosity!

5 July 2009, 11:34 PM	#2
sheldonsmith 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Member 202♛ Posts: 1,815	There was an article in Revolution magazine that asked the same question to many watchmakers with no obvious conclusion. -Sheldon __________________

10 July 2009, 11:50 AM	#3
Rikki TechXpert Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Rik Dietel Location: Seminole Fla Watch: 5512 s/s Sub Posts: 1,818	Possibly less parts to make and timing screws are more stable in time keeping. Lever can be moved if the watch gets jarred especially on the older models where metal fatigue can occur on the regulator which is spring steel snapped on the balance bridge. Just a thought Rik the watchmaker

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