jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)
[Purist]
13960
Video: Montblanc Watches and Wonders 2014 - fixing the balance spring into the balance wheel
As promised here are more details of what I did in the Montblanc booth at Watches and Wonders 2014.
A training by Jedi master Julien to put the hairspring into the balance wheel and attempt to regulate it!
As MTF had mentioned before, pls do not do this after a champagne or two! I only had coffee and water and I still struggled!
Several friends and PuristS I read also tried this - how did you guys fare? To be honest, I was under so much pressure under the lights and cameras I almost gave up! 
thankfully Julien was always so encouraging and patient.
thankfully Julien was always so encouraging and patient.Again a video filmed by the professional Montblanc film crew at Watches and Wonders 2014 to share with us here. Thank you Montblanc once again for helping us create this wonderful film.
Enjoy the movie!
I am sure those who tried will appreciate the hard work, impressive skills and steady hands of our watchmaker friends more. I certainly did!
Cheers
Robin
This message has been edited by jrwong23 on 2014-10-05 17:49:04 This message has been edited by jrwong23 on 2014-10-06 17:56:14 This message has been edited by mkt33 on 2014-10-10 07:02:17
Video: Montblanc Watches and Wonders 2014 - fixing the balance spring into the balance wheel
As promised here are more details of what I did in the Montblanc booth at Watches and Wonders 2014. A training by Jedi master Julien to put the hairspring into the balance wheel and attempt to regulate it! As MTF had mentioned before, pls do not do this a...
Yes it is a speciality from Villeret.
Monique is one of the 3 watchmakers in Switzerland (more or less) who fixes the balance spring this way. Fx
Wow these watchmakers like Monique are national treasures then
So rare in the world! Thanks for the info Fx I briefly chatted with Monique with Julien translating for us. I expressed my deepest respect for her work! She is such a humble and lovely lady. Cheers Robin
Robin, it is extremely difficult.
Even in the watch industry, very few masters can do it. we were brave enough to try. Regards Ling
Thanks Ling! I didn't do that well...
Didn't manage to put the pin in the balance wheel after the spring. It was a great experience and makes me appreciate our watches even more Cheers Robin
Lol my friend!
Your wife's comment when you were at the Montblanc booth trying this was funny. "Don't sneeze!" Cheers Robin
Hard work indeed!
Very informative video Robin. After this I have newfound respect for watchmakers - their job is difficult, and requires true craftmanship! Amazing people - RESPECT!!
Glad you like what you saw :)
Not all watch manufactures are like Montblanc Villeret though :) The manufacture at Montblanc Villeret still upholds all these traditional methods! I really hope to visit them one day to find out more. Cheers Robin
