Glossary · Mechanism
Barrel arbor
The central spindle of the mainspring barrel, hooked to the spring's inner coil.
Explanation
The barrel arbor is the central axle inside the mainspring barrel. The inner end of the mainspring hooks onto it, and the ratchet wheel on its square end is turned when the watch is wound, coiling the spring around it. The arbor pivots in the barrel and barrel cover and in the plates or barrel bridge. Worn arbor pivots or a damaged hook let the spring slip or the barrel wobble, which can rub the plates; it should be checked whenever the barrel is opened.
In the object catalogue
Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Barrel arbor”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.
