Discovery of the parts that make up its movement

Introduction : Pocket watches, with their timeless charm and intricate mechanism, continue to captivate watch enthusiasts throughout history. Each part of a pocket watch is meticulously crafted and assembled to create a precise and reliable movement. In this article, we will explore the different parts that make up a pocket watch, with a focus on the essential elements of the movement. Prepare for a fascinating journey through traditional watchmaking!

I. External elements :

A. The case: The case is the outer casing of the pocket watch, protecting the movement from external damage. It is usually made of precious metal or stainless steel. The case can be open (with a transparent cover) or closed (with a solid cover), allowing the movement to be admired or protected from dust and shocks.

B. The Dial: The dial is the face of the pocket watch, displaying the time. It is usually decorated with numbers, indexes, or decorative motifs. The dial can be made of different materials such as enamel, silver, or gold, thus giving the watch a unique aesthetic appearance.

C. Hands: Hands are the moving indicators that point to the numbers or indexes on the dial to indicate the time. A pocket watch usually has two hands: the hour hand and the minute hand. Some more complex pocket watches may also have a seconds hand or other complications.

D. Glass: Glass is the transparent surface that protects the dial from scratches and bumps while still allowing the time to be read. Traditional pocket watches often use mineral glass or acrylic glass for this function, providing adequate clarity and resistance to damage.

II. Components of the movement :

A. The barrel:

• Role and function of the barrel The barrel is a metal cylinder that stores the energy of the mainspring of the pocket watch. When it unwinds, the barrel spring transmits this energy to the movement, thus powering the rotation of the gears and hands.
• The barrel wheel The barrel wheel is a toothed wheel that is connected to the mainspring. It engages with the teeth of the transmission gear to transfer energy from the barrel to the rest of the movement.
• The barrel spring The barrel spring is a spiral-wound element that stores potential energy when stretched. It is this energy that is gradually released to power the pocket watch movement.

B. The escapement mechanism:

• The anchor The anchor is a crucial component of the escapement mechanism. It interacts with the escape wheel and the balance spring to regulate the rotation speed of the transmission train. The anchor also allows the transmission train to move in small steps, creating the characteristic ticking sound of a mechanical watch.
• The escape wheel The escape wheel is a toothed wheel that works in tandem with the anchor to regulate the frequency of the balance wheel's oscillations. It is responsible for the regular release of the energy stored in the barrel, thus enabling accurate timekeeping.
• The balance spring The balance spring is a thin metal spiral attached to the anchor. It oscillates regularly in response to impulses provided by the escape wheel. The balance spring plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the movement, thus ensuring increased precision.
• The escapement train The escapement train is composed of several toothed wheels that transmit the energy from the barrel to the rest of the movement. It converts the rapid rotations of the barrel into slower, more regular movements of the balance wheel, thus allowing the precise display of the time.

C. The cogs:

• The gear train The gear train is a set of toothed wheels that transmit energy from the barrel to different parts of the movement. Each wheel is connected to another by gears, allowing for consistent and efficient energy distribution.
• The center wheel The center wheel is a large wheel that serves as the central point for transmitting energy in the movement. It is connected to the barrel wheel and drives the hour and minute hands.
• Transmission wheels Transmission wheels are intermediate wheels that connect the center wheel to the various complications of the pocket watch, such as the perpetual calendar or the power reserve. They transmit energy and enable the proper functioning of these additional functions.
• Wheels for different complications (e.g., perpetual calendar) Depending on the complications present in the pocket watch, specific wheels can be added to allow these additional functions to function properly. For example, in a perpetual calendar, special wheels are used to display the day, date, month, and even leap years.

D. Regulatory bodies:

• The balance wheel The balance wheel is an oscillating part in the movement of a pocket watch. It is responsible for regulating time by moving back and forth regularly. The balance wheel's oscillation period is determined by its length and mass, and is influenced by the balance spring and the anchor.
• The balance spring The balance spring is a thin metal spiral attached to the balance wheel. It acts like a spring, allowing the balance wheel to swing smoothly. The effective length of the balance spring can be adjusted to regulate the balance wheel's oscillation frequency, and therefore the watch's accuracy.
• The balance spring The balance spring is a device that supports the balance wheel and hairspring, ensuring their stability and correct alignment. It is essential to ensure smooth and precise movement.
• The adjustment plate The adjustment plate is a mechanism for adjusting the oscillation frequency of the balance wheel and therefore the accuracy of the watch. By changing the effective length of the balance spring, the watchmaker can adjust the movement to operate with the greatest possible precision.

E. Winding and time-setting devices:

• The crown The crown is a small knob located on the case of the pocket watch. It winds the mainspring by turning it clockwise. The crown is also used to set the time by turning it in either direction.
• Winding and setting pinions Winding and setting pinions are internal mechanisms that transmit the movement of the crown to the barrel and hands. They allow the user to wind the watch and set the time accurately.
• Pawls and Springs Pawls and springs are mechanisms that prevent the crown from accidentally unwinding once the mainspring is wound. They also ensure that the crown stays in place once the time is set.

F. Other components:

• Bridges and Plates Bridges and plates are flat metal parts that support and secure the various components of the movement. They are usually made of brass or steel and contribute to the stability and durability of the watch.
• Screws and Bearings Screws and bearings are essential fasteners in the construction of a pocket watch. Screws hold the various parts in place, while bearings allow for smooth movement and reduce friction.
• Adjusting screws Adjusting screws are used to adjust the various parts of the movement, such as the balance wheel and hairspring, to achieve the best possible precision.
• Rubies Rubies are synthetic gemstones used as bearings in pocket watches. Their hardness and low coefficient of friction allow for smooth movement of the various parts, reducing wear and improving durability.

III. The assembly of the movement :

A. The manufacturing stage

• Machining of components Each component of a pocket watch is manufactured with great precision using special machine tools. The parts are cut, turned, milled and polished to achieve the exact dimensions required.
• Surface Treatment After machining, components undergo various surface treatments to improve their appearance and strength. This may include polishing, sandblasting, etching, or the application of special coatings such as plating.
• Polishing Polishing is an important step in achieving a smooth, glossy finish on pocket watch components. It requires careful work using various abrasives and polishing pastes to remove imperfections and achieve a perfectly smooth surface.

B. Assembly

• The Role of the Watchmaker Assembling a pocket watch movement is a delicate task that requires technical skill and great attention to detail. The watchmaker is responsible for the precise assembly of each component, ensuring that all parts fit together properly and work together harmoniously.
• The required precision Assembling a pocket watch requires extreme precision. Each component must be positioned with a tolerance of a few micrometers to ensure optimal operation. High-precision measuring tools, such as micrometers and dial gauges, are used to verify dimensions and fits.
• Assembly Techniques Movement assembly involves the use of various techniques, such as screwing, snapping, and adjusting components. Special lubricants are used to reduce friction and ensure smooth, long-lasting operation of the movement.

Conclusion : Exploring the various parts that make up a pocket watch immerses us in a world of ingenuity and precision. Each component, from the barrel to the balance wheel, plays a crucial role in creating a precise and reliable movement. Traditional watchmaking is an art where meticulousness and passion come together to create unique and timeless pieces. Whether you are a passionate collector or simply curious, discovering the parts of a pocket watch is an invitation to dive into the fascinating world of artisanal watchmaking.