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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component record · Regulation

Micrometric Regulator

Partially verified

A fine-adjustment mechanism for moving the index a controlled amount.

What it does

Allows small, repeatable rate changes without nudging the index by hand.

How it works

A screw, worm or sprung arm moves the index in small increments, so rate can be set precisely and will not drift from handling.

Evolution

Several patterns developed, including swan-neck and screw-and-scale forms.

Known variations

  • Swan-neck regulator
  • Screw-and-scale micrometer

Identification for collectors

  • Presence of a micrometric regulator is a grading indicator.

Common failure modes

  • Stripped adjusting screw
  • Weak swan-neck spring

Diagram

balance wheel with timing screwsflat or overcoil hairspringregulator index
Schematic: balance, hairspring and regulator. An outline schematic drawn to show the arrangement of the parts discussed here. It is not a dimensioned working drawing and does not depict a particular maker's calibre.

Sources & references

  1. de Carle, D., Practical Watch Repairing
  2. de Carle, D., Watch and Clock Encyclopedia
  3. Daniels, G., Watchmaking

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.