What faults can occur when a mechanical watch is dropped?

　　When a mechanical watch is accidentally dropped on the ground, it can cause significant damage to the timepiece, which is why many enthusiasts worry about potential faults. So, if a mechanical watch is dropped, what kinds of faults might occur? Follow the editor below to find out.

　　Potential faults caused by dropping a mechanical watch

　　Potential damage from dropping a mechanical watch includes external issues, such as case dents, scratches, a crooked crown, or a cracked sapphire crystal, as well as internal issues, including a deformed dial, fallen indices, detached hands, luminous material falling off, and damage to movement components.

　　Among the movement parts, the balance wheel and hairspring are considered the most delicate. The balance wheel has an extremely thin pivot measuring only about 0.10mm, and as it oscillates at high speed within the watch, its entire mass must be supported by this pivot. Modern brand watches are equipped with shock absorbers to effectively protect the balance wheel pivot from damage during severe impacts and vibrations.

　　The hairspring in a movement is essentially a tiny spiral spring, the shape of which is known as an 'Archimedean spiral'. It is coiled approximately 10 times and is made from a complex nickel-based material. It is the most critical component in maintaining the mechanical oscillation of the balance wheel; its installation, adjustment, shape, the clearance within the regulator, and the watch's poise are the most vital factors in determining the timekeeping accuracy of the watch.

　　The stiffness, spacing, and number of coils of the balance spring are related to the oscillation frequency of the watch and the size of the movement. Generally speaking, lower frequency watches or ladies' watches have 'softer' and smaller balance springs; conversely, the higher the frequency, the 'stiffer' the balance spring.

　　In early slow-beat watches (18000 vibrations/hour), the hairspring is most susceptible to getting caught or hooked after the watch is dropped or bumped. This means the inner coil of the hairspring gets caught on the outer stud or regulator pins. This typically manifests as the watch stopping completely or running extremely fast.

　　In modern watches, which mostly feature a vibration frequency of 28800 per hour, the hairspring is relatively stiffer and the spacing is tighter. After a drop, the issue that typically affects the hairspring is deformation. Deformation refers to the hairspring shifting horizontally and vertically relative to the watch, causing it to become uneven or out of round.

　　Among these, horizontal deformation is the most common, resulting in an eccentric hairspring. Furthermore, during its operational oscillation, it may graze against the outer stud. The fault manifests as the watch easily stopping or running fast, with the degree of acceleration depending on how closely the hairspring comes into contact with the outer stud; in severe cases, it can run fast by up to 2 hours a day.

　　Many repaired watches (especially those with ETA movements) are found to have balance springs with horizontal displacement and deformation, and in every case, the second coil of the balance spring is rubbing against the stud. Repairing this requires careful correction with tweezers to ensure concentricity, proper pitch, and that it remains flat and round.

　　If you find that your watch has been accidentally dropped and it stops or runs extremely fast, it is highly likely that the balance spring has deformed. Of course, other components may also have failed simultaneously.

　　Rolex Datejust Automatic Mechanical Gold Watch 116233G Datejust Gold Watch

　　Top-tier version, gold-wrapped bracelet and bezel, consistent with the original version, an essential watch model for high rollers

　　Series:Datejust Collection

　　Movement: Replica ETA2836 movement, Swiss ETA2836 movement, replica Rolex 3132 movement

　　Bracelet: gold bracelet

　　Case: Rose gold-plated

　　Bezel: Standard

　　Crystal: Sapphire crystal glass

　　Diameter: 36MM

　　Water resistance: 100 metres

　　After-sales: 2 years free warranty, lifetime technical support

　　Review:

　　◆ This Rolex 116233G model is currently the highest quality version available. The detailed images are recent unedited photos and are completely authentic;

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　　◆ 18K gold-wrapped crown, stamped with the same logo as the genuine piece, operating smoothly when adjusting;

　　◆ 18K gold-wrapped bracelet, featuring exquisite polishing technology and no blemishes;

　　Conclusion：If a newly purchased mechanical watch is accidentally dropped and develops a fault, owners should promptly hand it over to professionals for inspection and repair to prevent more serious issues.

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