Montblanc Villeret: Fixing a Balance Spring

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) · 2014-10-05T09:05:57Z

Experience the intricate craft of fixing a balance spring into a balance wheel at Montblanc's Villeret manufacture. A rare insight into traditional watchmaking skills.

Jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) shares a unique hands-on experience from Watches and Wonders 2014, where he attempted the intricate task of fixing a balance spring into a balance wheel under the guidance of a Montblanc watchmaker. This post highlights the extreme precision and skill required in traditional watchmaking, offering readers a rare glimpse into a highly specialized craft.

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.

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

Key Points from the Discussion

The Montblanc Villeret manufacture is one of the rare places that still upholds traditional watchmaking methods, making such hands-on experiences particularly special.
Monique, a watchmaker at Montblanc, is one of only a few in Switzerland who still fixes balance springs using this traditional method, underscoring the rarity of such expertise.
The experience of attempting this delicate task firsthand cultivates a profound appreciation for the hard work, impressive skills, and steady hands of professional watchmakers.
Even within the watch industry, very few masters possess the skill to perform this specific task, making the opportunity to try it a brave endeavor.

The Discussion

foversta

Oct 5, 2014

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

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Oct 6, 2014

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

lhk1

Oct 5, 2014

Robin, it is extremely difficult.

Even in the watch industry, very few masters can do it. we were brave enough to try. Regards Ling

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Oct 6, 2014

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

psychotic

Oct 6, 2014

You did better than me.

Next time I'll try it sober!!

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Oct 6, 2014

Lol my friend!

Your wife's comment when you were at the Montblanc booth trying this was funny. "Don't sneeze!" Cheers Robin

Montblanc Villeret: Fixing a Balance Spring

Key Points from the Discussion

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