BREGUET TAMES MAGNETISM
Breguet’s substantial investments in research and development over the past 10 years have resulted in several major technological advances, including components made from anti-magnetic silicon.
At Baselworld this year, Breguet is presenting further technical breakthrough – harnessing magnetism to regulate the strike in chiming watches. At the same time the company reveals its research into the use of magnetism to pivot the balance-wheel.
MAGNETIC GOVERNOR
· Temperature changes and magnetic fields are two of the environmental conditions that affect the rate of a watch. Watchmakers have been able to compensate for temperature changes for several decades, but full protection against magnetism through the use of silicon is much more recent.
· Everyday objects such as mobile phones, hi-fi speakers and even magnetic clasps for bags generate magnetic fields that play havoc with rate of the watch.
· In 2006, after several years of research and development, Breguet introduced silicon components, notably escapements and balance springs, to counter the effects of magnetism.
· In 2011, Breguet is for the first time harnessing magnetism to regulate the strike in the Réveil Musical alarm watch, the first of which will be delivered during the course of the year.
· The conventional strike-governor relies on friction to ensure a steady ringing. But this creates additional noise and wear while needing regular oiling.
· To eliminate these inconveniences, Breguet has devised the first magnetic governor for a mechanical watch that absorbs the energy between the strikes, ensuring a constant rate without contact, friction, wear and noise.
· The magnetic field is contained within the regulating system and very little of it escapes.
· Breguet and the Swatch Group developed the system in-house.
· A patent application was filed in 2011.
MAGNETIC PIVOTING
· Breguet’s second application of magnetism is in the pivoting of the balance staff.
· The changing position of the watch from horizontal to vertical positions affects the efficiency of the balance-wheel and causes small variations in its rate. Breguet is using magnetism to eliminate the rate differences between positions.
· A magnetic field keeps the balance pivoting as if it were horizontal, whatever the position of the watch. The pivot is kept centred on is ruby endstone by magnetism.
· The magnetic solution simplifies the anti-shock system. Magnetism, instead of a spring, absorbs the shock and returns the pivot to its place.
· Magnetic pivoting also eliminates the pivot shake in conventional watches that disturbs the rate of the balance.
· System developed internally by Breguet.
· Two patent applications filed in 2010.
