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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Glossary · Regulation

Amplitude

The angular swing of a balance wheel from rest to one extreme and back.

Explanation

Measured in degrees, amplitude indicates how much energy reaches the balance. Healthy amplitude in a serviced lever watch is commonly in the region of 270–315 degrees dial-up. Low amplitude usually points to a tired mainspring, worn pivots, thickened lubricant or escapement faults rather than to a regulation problem.