Likes Likes:  7
Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: Does anyone know the exact material of watch mainsprings?

  1. #1

    Does anyone know the exact material of watch mainsprings?

    I know the subject of magnetization of watches comes up a lot. I am curious as to what the field strength is to magnetize a watch but I am not sure on the the material of watch mainsprings. Obviously silicone ones are a non-magnetic so I am discounting them. Does anyone know?

    I have access to a full suite of magnetics simulation software that I use at work everyday to do this with.
    Olma, Oris, Vostok, Casio, Smiths, Luch, Elgin, Fossil, Orient

    IWL DIY, Restorations and Mods subforum

  2. #2
    I expect a lot will have a ingredient mix that is a trade secret.

    There's Nivarox to get you started though

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nivarox

    There's Elinvar too, a nickel/steel alloy
    Last edited by Seriously; Sep 15, 2015 at 09:33 PM.

  3. Likes 93EXCivic liked this post
  4. #3
    Porous Membrane skywatch's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    The Valley of Heart's Delight
    Posts
    9,645
    Blog Entries
    2
    Indeed, usually complex alloys. Nomos says their mainspring is Nivarox 1A, an alloy from iron, nickel, titanium, chrome and beryllium. I suspect a magnetic profile might be a bit tricky to model.
    Too many watches, not enough wrists.

  5. #4
    Another Member crownpuller's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    Bristol UK
    Posts
    6,020
    Quote Originally Posted by 93EXCivic View Post
    I know the subject of magnetization of watches comes up a lot. I am curious as to what the field strength is to magnetize a watch but I am not sure on the the material of watch mainsprings. Obviously silicone ones are a non-magnetic so I am discounting them. Does anyone know?

    I have access to a full suite of magnetics simulation software that I use at work everyday to do this with.
    Sorry to be pedantic, but do you mean hair-spring not mainspring ?
    If not: The field strength to magentize a mainspring would surely be academic, as by the time it was even slightly affected, the hair-spring would be pretty much fully 'clamped' up
    Some people have opinions - The rest of us have taste.

  6. #5
    MWC is that my watch's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Location
    came for a look stayed for the biskwits
    Posts
    36,373
    good question would have thought hairspring too as that is the one that regulates the time is it not ? but then I always get them two mixed up
    sharky
    one of the most original good guys their was never anything but a true friend "the daito to my shoto"
    rest easy good buddy
    https://gofund.me/eb610af1

  7. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by crownpuller View Post
    Sorry to be pedantic, but do you mean hair-spring not mainspring ?
    If not: The field strength to magentize a mainspring would surely be academic, as by the time it was even slightly affected, the hair-spring would be pretty much fully 'clamped' up
    I just assumed he was talking hair

  8. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by crownpuller View Post
    Sorry to be pedantic, but do you mean hair-spring not mainspring ?
    If not: The field strength to magentize a mainspring would surely be academic, as by the time it was even slightly affected, the hair-spring would be pretty much fully 'clamped' up
    Yeah that


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Olma, Oris, Vostok, Casio, Smiths, Luch, Elgin, Fossil, Orient

    IWL DIY, Restorations and Mods subforum

  9. #8
    Rolex uses a proprietary alloy called Parachrom for their hairsprings

    According to this (un-cited) TRF post,

    Elinvar - 59% Iron, 36% Nickel, 5% Chromium.

    Nivarox - 45% Cobalt, 20% Nickel, 20%Chromium, 5% Iron, rest is Titanium and beryllium

    Parachrom - 85% Niobium, 15% Zirconium. Oxygen is often mentioned as a "component" of the alloy in other sources but is likely referring to the oxidation of the surface during heat blueing the hairspring which Rolex found increased stability over time.

    http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=130539

    More on Parachrom

    http://watchmakingblog.com/2008/05/0...om-hairspring/
    Instagram: @tempocalypse

  10. Likes Der Amf, geoffbot, 93EXCivic, tribe125 liked this post
  11. #9
    The Dude Abides Nokie's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Location
    Northern CA
    Posts
    3,518
    What about pixie dust and unicorn tears.....?
    "Either He's Dead, Or My Watch Has Stopped....."
    Groucho Marx

  12. Likes Seriously, JohnF liked this post
  13. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by Nokie View Post
    What about pixie dust and unicorn tears.....?

    Sintered pixie dust was outlawed in the 70's.... and unicorn tears were replaced with unicorn ears

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
About Us
We are an independent and wide-ranging forum for watch enthusiasts. From mainspring to microchip, from Europe to Asia, from micro-brand to boutique - we cover it all. Novice or expert, we want you to feel at home. Whether it's asking a simple question or contributing to the fund of horological knowledge, it's all the same hobby. Or, if you like, you can just show us a picture of your new watch. We'll provide the welcoming and courteous environment, the rest is up to you!
Join us