Glossary · Regulation
Hairspring (balance spring)
The fine spiral spring that returns the balance and sets the oscillation period.
Explanation
The hairspring (balance spring) is the fine spiral spring that returns the balance to centre and controls its rate. Its effective length, set by the regulator pins, determines how fast the watch runs; its shape and material decide how steadily it runs across positions and temperatures. Blue steel springs were traditional; self-compensating alloys such as Nivarox are now standard. Magnetised, tangled or bent hairsprings are a frequent cause of poor timekeeping.
In the object catalogue
Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Hairspring (balance spring)”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.
Pocket watch
Nicole Nielsen Gold Hunter Pocket Watch
“This mid-19th-century English duplex pocket watch is attributed to Nicole Nielsen and documented with London hallmarks dating to 1858. The watch is encased in an 18-carat yellow…”
Pocket watch
James McCabe 1834 Gold Lepine Calibre Duplex Pocket Watch
“This nineteenth-century open face pocket watch features a keywind gilt Lepine calibre bar movement with a duplex escapement, crafted by James McCabe of Royal Exchange, London, a…”
Pocket watch
Marvin Art Deco open face pocket watch
“This open face pocket watch by Marvin Watch Co is reported to date from circa 1935 in Art Deco style. The steel case measures 46 mm in diameter by 8 mm deep, featuring stepped s…”
Pocket watch
Dent 18K Gold Pocket Chronometer with Original Box
“This mid-nineteenth-century open-face pocket chronometer is signed by Dent, London, and numbered 29216. Housed in a solid 18K gold case bearing London hallmarks for 1863 and the…”
Pocket watch
Paul Ditisheim Astronomical Precision Pocket Watch No. 13784
“This astronomical precision pocket watch by Paul Ditisheim features a 61mm 18ct yellow gold Empire case with a reeded band. The white enamel multi-piece dial displays Arabic num…”
Pocket watch
Hamilton 950B 16-size 23-jewel railroad pocket watch
“According to the seller, this American railroad pocket watch was manufactured by the Hamilton Watch Co. circa 1952 (dated c. 1957 in the listing title). The 16-size nickel bridg…”