HOW A MECHANICAL WATCH WORKS AND ITS MAIN ORGANS
Based on the observation of the stars and then on the projection of shadows (Gnomon, sundial) and the flow of fluids (Clepsydra, hourglass), measuring instruments became mechanical as early as the 13th century (clocks). While the first pocket watches appeared in the 16th century, it was not until the 18th century that worn (pocket) watches became reliable and widespread. Most of the manufacturing methods and mechanical principles of that time remain the same today, although they have evolved with knowledge and technology.
A basic mechanical Movement (without Complication) can consist of more than two hundred components. To better understand how it works and the various interactions involved, it is customary to group these components into different organs, each with a specific role. The different organs of a mechanical Movement are defined below, as well as in the explanatory video.
THE MOTOR ORGAN (POWER SOURCE) (barrel)
Role: Positioned at the beginning of the kinematic chain of the Movement, the motor organ’s role is to store the energy needed for its operation and to deliver it gradually.
Main components: the barrel (made up of a Mainspring, a Barrel drum, an Arbor and a cover).
THE COUNTING AND TRANSMISSION MECHANISM (finishing Train (wheel train))
Role: The role of the counting and transmission mechanism is to convey the energy from the Barrel (the motor organ (power source)) to the Regulating organ via the Escapement and mechanically divide its Frequency in order to distribute the various indications. Thus, the Fourth wheel (seconds wheel) will make one Lathe in one minute, the Center wheel (which carries the Hand of the minutes) will make one Lathe in one hour, etc.
Main components: The number of wheels in the Counting and transmission mechanism can vary. However, the following wheels are generally found: Center wheel (or large third wheel), Third wheel (or small third wheel), Fourth wheel (seconds wheel), Escape pinion.
THE DISTRIBUTION MECHANISM (Escapement)
Role: The Escapement performs two distinct functions. First, it blocks (stops) the finishing Train (wheel train) when the Balance is in its free Oscillation phase. Periodically (between 5 and 10 times per second), it releases the finishing train and transmits its energy to the Balance through brief impulses aimed at sustaining the oscillations of the Regulating organ (the balance-hairspring). The second function of the Escapement is to transform the linear motion of the finishing train (continuous rotation) into an oscillatory motion (the oscillations of the Regulating organ).
Main components : In a Swiss lever escapement, the components that make it up are: the escape wheel, the Pallets (lever) and the double roller. Although the double roller is press-fitted together with the Balance Axis (the Regulating organ), it constitutes the last component of the escapement’s kinematic chain and does indeed belong to this organ.
L’ORGANE RÉGULATEUR (balancier-spiral)
Rôle : Il lui incombe de garantir la précision d’une montre. Quel que soit le type de montre (ou d’horloge) et sa construction, l’organe régulateur est toujours un oscillateur. Plus la fréquence d’un oscillateur est élevée, plus la montre sera précise. Bien que quelques tentatives de très hautes fréquences aient été effectuées, les organes régulateurs des montres mécaniques oscillent généralement entre 2,5 Hz et 5 Hz.
Composants principaux : le balancier et le spiral. On parle souvent du balancier-spiral pour désigner ce tandem qui constitue l’organe régulateur.
THE WINDING AND TIME-SETTING MECHANISM
It allows the user to power the Motor organ (power source) and to set (at the very least) the time shown by the watch.
DISPLAY AND MOTION WORK
Distributes and displays the various information provided by the movement.
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