Phonetic transcription /ˈbal(ə)n(t)s stɑːf/
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Definition#
A balance staff is the central shaft that supports the balance wheel in a mechanical watch.
Syn: /
Phraseology#
“balance staff assembly”, “damaged balance staff”
Literary quotes#
“The pallets receive from the wheel two hundred and forty separate impulses in the minute. The lever and pallets are both secured together on the staff; so that every impulse the pallets receive is communicated, at the same time, by the lever, to the ruby pin in the roller, which is fixed, as before stated, to the balance-staff.” (book: F. Kemlo, “Kemlo’s Watch-repairer’s Handbook”, (1882: 21), link: https://www.google.it/books/edition/Kemlo_s_Watch_repairer_s_Handbook/tDlYAAAAYAAJ?hl=it&gbpv=1&dq=balance+staff&pg=PA21&printsec=frontcover)
Encyclopaedic notes#
In mechanical watches, the balance staff is a critical component of the regulating system. It carries the balance wheel and enables its oscillatory motion, which, in combination with the balance spring, governs the timekeeping accuracy of the watch. Because of its fine pivots and constant motion, the balance staff is particularly susceptible to wear or damage and plays a central role in watchmaking and repair. (AI generated); ALSO: “A balance staff is the shaft on which the balance wheel is mounted. The rotating axis around which the balance wheel oscillates is formed by a line running through the pivots at the end of the staff. These pivots fit into jeweled bearings and are lubricated by minute oil reservoirs.” (link: https://great-british-watch.co.uk/how-to-make-a-balance-staff/)
