INCABLOC

Incabloc is a registered Swiss trademark designating ashock-absorber system designed to protect the fragile pivots of thebalance staff. The principle, which emerged in the mid-20th century and became a worldwide reference, is based on an elastic mounting of the stone: theendstone and the pierced stone, which receive the pivot of thebalance, are held in place by alyre lug spring. In the event of an impact, the whole assembly shifts slightly, allowing the pivot to rest on a sturdier conical bearing, then returns exactly into place thanks to the spring. In this way, the energy of the impact is absorbed by solid surfaces rather than by the pivot, whose fineness would otherwise make it very vulnerable to breakage in the event of adrop (impact). The name “Incabloc” is so widespread that it is sometimes used, by misuse, as a generic term for any Shock-absorber device, whereas it designates a specific brand (other systems exist: Kif, Novodiac, etc.). The adoption of Shock-absorbers considerably strengthened the robustness of wristwatches. A well-fitted Shock-absorber is essential to daily reliability.