Watch part question

[ftgokie]

Sorry, I know I can probably search for this but I am at work and this just popped in my head and I would like to know before I forget the question.

Forgive my ignorance, I am new to all this watch stuff, but this is really exciting to be learning about them.

The balance (or balance wheel) whatever it is called, and the balance spring.

What does this do? My mechanical backgroung and common sence tells me that the weight of the balance (it has extra screws screwed into the outside diameter to add weight and maybe even out the weight like weight to a car wheel does maybe?) turns and makes the balance spring wind up, then when the spring is tight, it shoots the balance back around till it can go no more then the process just repeats...is that correct or am I totally off the planet?

There is a watchmaking school at OSU, Oklahoma State University and I have actually considered going there if I could to just learn as much about watches that I can..


Here is a picture of the part I am talking about.....and please correct me on anything that is wrong because I really do want to learn!

[ftgokie]

And sorry mods, I put that in the wrong thread..

[rmfnla]

Running the screws in and out regulates the watch (fast, slow, how it works in various positions, etc.).

There's more to it than that but that's what it does.

[Rikki]

Basically it's an occillator or even a govenor if you will. It spins about 300 degrees in each direction after getting an impulse from the pallet fork. The screws are for regulation screw in faster out slower. 28,800 beats and hour for modern Rolexes. Rikki

[ludicree]

Old video, but still one of the best:

http://www.wimp.com/watchworks/