What causes watch timekeeping errors?

　　Watch timekeeping error is a common problem, but do you know all the reasons that cause watch errors? If you do not know yet, the editor has compiled the common causes of watch errors below for you.

　　Causes of watch timekeeping errors

　　(1) The influence of positional changes: the main positional changes are between horizontal and vertical planes. There are 2 horizontal positions (dial up and dial down). Vertical positions are counted as 3 (these are: crown down, crown left, and crown up). Crown right does not occur during normal wear, so there are a total of 5 positions. Positional changes primarily cause a shift in the friction surfaces of the balance staff, increasing friction. Furthermore, the imbalance of the balance wheel becomes more pronounced due to gravity, with additional torque applied to the rapidly oscillating balance wheel. The gravitational effect on the hairspring also means the watch's balance-spring system is affected to varying degrees during each oscillation cycle in every position.

　　(2) Impact of amplitude: The tightness of the mainspring directly affects the amplitude of the balance wheel, thereby also affecting the isochronism of mechanical watches. So-called "isochronism" refers to a phenomenon where the amplitude of an oscillating object does not affect its vibration period, but the balance wheel and hairspring system in a mechanical watch does not undergo free oscillation. It frequently experiences impacts and collisions with the escapement components, operating in a combined state of "forced + free" vibration, and is therefore inevitably influenced by the escapement. The magnitude of the impulse torque determines the amplitude and also determines the duration of their interaction, which of course is better when shorter.

　　(3) Impact of the regulator index: The vast majority of mechanical watches have a regulator index, which serves to conveniently calibrate timekeeping accuracy. However, due to the clearance between the regulator index and the hairspring, also known as "index clearance", its existence severely undermines the isochronism of mechanical watches and also increases positional errors in mechanical watches.

　　(4) Impact of shocks and vibrations: Severe shocks and vibrations also affect the vibration period of the balance wheel, especially in low-amplitude states or low-frequency mechanical watches. As for severe shocks and vibrations that have already damaged the balance staff pivots or hairspring, they will inevitably cause timekeeping faults in mechanical watches.

　　(5) Impact of magnetic fields: Many movement parts of mechanical watches are made of steel and are therefore easily magnetised, including nickel-based hairsprings which also possess weak magnetic properties. Under the influence of external magnetic fields or when parts are already magnetised, the oscillation period of the balance wheel will be greatly disrupted by magnetic forces, usually causing the mechanical watch to run fast.

　　(6) Insufficient power reserve: You need to check whether the power is sufficient first. Self-winding watches may also suffer from insufficient power reserve if the wearer's physical activity is very low. Power can be replenished through manual winding, and you can then observe whether the fast or slow phenomenon persists.

　　(8) Impact of temperature changes: Temperature changes alter the geometric dimensions of the balance wheel and hairspring. Every tiny change in these critical components directly affects the oscillation period. Additionally, temperature changes the viscosity of the watch oil, thereby altering the torque transmission and oscillation of the mechanical gear train.

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　　Review:

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　　Conclusion:There are many reasons for watch inaccuracies. When your watch encounters issues, you can refer to the content above to identify the problem and resolve it promptly.