Glossary · Mechanism
Pivot
The reduced, polished end of an arbor or staff that runs in a bearing.
Explanation
A pivot is the reduced, polished end of an arbor that runs in a bearing hole. Balance staff pivots can be a tenth of a millimetre or less and are the parts most often broken by shock. Pivots are finished by burnishing, which work-hardens the surface; scored or bent pivots are restored on a lathe or Jacot tool.
In the object catalogue
Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Pivot”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.
Component
IWC Calibre 852 Centre Seconds Pinion (Ref. 275)
“This item is an individual center seconds pinion (pignon de seconde au centre) associated with IWC calibre 852. Listed under reference 275, the source records a height measureme…”
Wristwatch
Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Incliné 18k White Gold Wristwatch
“Open dial aperture revealing the inclined tourbillon cage secured under an arched transverse bridge with jewel pivot.”
Movement
New York Watch Company Springfield Movement #324
“Jeweled pivot holes visible set into the frosted brass plate.”
Pocket watch
Bovet Fleurier 19th Century Open Face Pocket Watch for the Chinese Market
“According to Bonhams, this 19th-century open face pocket watch is attributed to Bovet Fleurier and was produced for the Chinese market. The movement side, visible beneath an inn…”
Movement
IWC Peerless pocket watch movement, circa 1909
“Jeweled pivot holes set in screwed chatons on the train wheel bridge”
Clock
Dent of London Congreve Rolling Ball Clock by Andrew Fell
“A zig-zag inclined brass track sits mounted on a central pivot above the brass base plate.”