When dealing with a timing challenge on a mechanical watch, a fundamental area of focus for the experienced watchmaker is the hairspring and balance wheel. The hairspring must be level and have a shape that matches the complicated mathematical dynamics of the balance cock, balance wheel, and power train. The balance itself must also be level, true in circular shape, and its weight (poise) must be evenly distributed. Relative to poising, an advanced watchmaker technique known as “dynamic poising” provides a means of poising adjustment that compensates for the complex relationship between the balance and hairspring. Static poising considers the balance poise in isolation, without consideration of the hairspring. Some would say that one approach, static or dynamic, is superior to the other but in my opinion both should be addressed as part of the timing improvement process. This picture shows some of the tools and approaches used in balance and hairspring static and dynamic poising, truing, and hairspring manipulation.
