We all love to wear watches. While some people only buy a watch to check the time on the go, many people have a knack for collecting watches.
It’s common for people to say, “Why would you purchase such an expensive watch when you only need it to see the time?” Well, the truth is that the price is on the quality of components installed in the watches, ranging from balance staff to cells and other machinery. Having said that, a balance staff is an important part of the watch, and we are sharing all about it. Don’t worry; we are sharing more about the components of watches!
What Is A Balance Staff?
A balance staff is a component of a mechanical watch that supports the balance wheel and allows it to rotate freely. The balance wheel is a critical component of a mechanical watch’s movement, as it regulates the watch’s timekeeping accuracy. It is a small, cylindrical metal shaft that is fitted into the center of the balance wheel. It has two pivots, one on each end, which fit into jewels (small, smooth holes) in the watch movement’s plates.
The pivots are polished to a high degree of smoothness, which helps to reduce friction and wear. It is responsible for supporting the balance wheel and allowing it to rotate with a consistent and precise motion. The balance wheel and balance staff work together to regulate the watch’s timekeeping accuracy by controlling the rate at which the watch’s gears and springs move.
The importance of the balance staff component lies in the fact that it provides a stable and secure mounting point for the balance wheel, allowing it to rotate freely and smoothly. This is critical for accurate timekeeping because any imperfections or irregularities in this component can cause the balance wheel to oscillate unevenly, resulting in inaccurate timekeeping.
If the balance staff becomes damaged or worn, it can cause the balance wheel to stop or move erratically, which will result in inaccurate timekeeping. In such cases, it must be replaced by a skilled watchmaker to ensure the proper functioning of the watch movement.
Tips To Maintain The Balance Staff
At this point, it’s needless to say that it’s a crucial part of the mechanical watch, but it’s also a sensitive part. For this reason, we are sharing an array of tips to help you maintain the quality and operation of the watch, such as;
- Avoid Shock And Vibration
Mechanical watches and clocks are designed to be robust, but they are still delicate instruments. For this reason, you have to avoid subjecting your timepiece to shock and vibration, as this can damage the staff and other delicate components. For the same reason, you have to put the watch where the watch won’t fall from.
- Keep It Clean
Dirt and debris can accumulate in the component and other parts of the movement, which can cause problems with accuracy and reliability. To prevent this, it’s important to keep your watch or clock clean by wiping it down regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth. The lint-free cloth can be easily purchased from the supermarket, but make sure you don’t use any cleaning sprays because the moisture can cause rust.
- Keep Balance Staff Lubricated
Balance staff and other parts of the movement need to be lubricated to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear and tear. However, too much lubrication can also cause problems. It’s best to have your watch or clock serviced by a professional who can ensure that the right amount of lubrication is applied.
Keep in mind that there is a significant difference between moisture and lubrication. So, make sure you ask the professional about the right lubricant.
- Store It Properly
When not in use, it’s important to store your watch or clock properly. You must keep it in a cool and dry place. In particular, it must be kept away from direct sunlight and sources of heat, which can cause damage to the staff and other components. If possible, you can invest in a watch box because it can help you protect the watch.
- Have It Serviced Regularly
To ensure that all the components are functioning properly, it’s vital to have your watch or clock serviced by a professional on a regular basis. The frequency of service will depend on the make and model of your timepiece, but a good rule of thumb is to have it serviced every three to five years.
During the service, the watch and its components will be inspected, and any issues will be addressed to ensure that the timepiece is functioning efficiently. This is one of the best ways of keeping the watch working for a long time because the potential errors will be resolved when they are smaller.
- Avoid Exposure To Magnetic Fields
Magnetic fields have the capacity to disrupt the watch’s operation and cause problems with accuracy. To avoid this, keep your watch or clock away from sources of magnetism, such as speakers, electronic devices, and magnetic clasps. If you have these items around the watch, it will impact the calibration.
- Wind The Watch Regularly
If you have a manual-wind watch, it’s important to regularly wind it to ensure the mainspring is properly tensioned. A properly tensioned mainspring will help to ensure accurate timekeeping and reduce the strain on the staff and other components. If you don’t know how to wind the watch, make sure you hire a professional to help you rather than experimenting and breaking the watch.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures can cause problems with different components in a mechanical watch or clock. You have to void exposing your timepiece to temperatures above 140°F or below 14°F.
- Be Careful When Setting The Time
When setting the time on your watch or clock, be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure to the crown or stem. This is because excessive force can cause damage to the staff and other delicate components. If you have never done it before, it’s recommended to get help from a professional because balance staff is a sensitive piece.
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