cazalea[Seiko Moderator]
17087
The scariest component in the whole watch (with examples)
May 09, 2020,08:53 AM
because it is a tiny brass spring atop an even-tinier circle of crystal, held under tension that must be released by the watchmaker but turning or unclipping it.
It's a small amount of tension, no doubt, but given the low mass of the spring, it's enough to send either spring or cap jewel or both into orbit around the earth ... :-(
The point of the spring-loaded floating jewel assembly, if you weren't sure, is to protect the balance shaft from shock (and breaking off)
Remember that next time you drop your watch, or bang it against a doorway.
They are fine to manage on a pocket watch, but some are nearly impossible (for me). I guess I don't have the placid disposition of a watchmaker.
Cazalea