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Old 2 January 2011, 02:32 AM   #1
SCD
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Silicon an advancement relative to parachrom?

I realize that incremental developments don't always mean one brand is suddenly "better" than the other, but on the technological, horological merits how do silicon and parachrom compare on the one isolated issue of hairspring quality?

http://www.omegawatches.com/spirit/w...balance-spring
http://www.rolex.com/en#/rolex-watch...rom-hairspring
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Old 2 January 2011, 07:48 PM   #2
padi56
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SCD View Post
I realize that incremental developments don't always mean one brand is suddenly "better" than the other, but on the technological, horological merits how do silicon and parachrom compare on the one isolated issue of hairspring quality?

http://www.omegawatches.com/spirit/w...balance-spring
http://www.rolex.com/en#/rolex-watch...rom-hairspring
Now if I remember correct Rolex collaborated with Omega and Patek to develop a silicone hairspring,but Rolex wanted to stick to there normal Breguet over-coil type design which they have used for decades. And thats one thing you cannot do with the silicon hairspring, hence the Parachrom which Rolex will continue to use for now.Now to change to the Silicon hairspring it would have meant many changes to the balance bridge/cock escapement etc,and any problem with the silicon hairspring it would have to be replaced and again matched to the rest of the escapement.So would expect quite a large bill if one ever needs replacing.Although technical better on paper both silicon and the Parachrom have slight advantages over the ETA Nivourax ones.IMHO the difference could only be measured by a machine only,but on the wrist would doubt to the average wearer would find any real big advantage.Again Rolex quotes 10 times more shock resistance,but 10 times more resistant to what. Most certainly not over the ones they have used for 40 years or so, otherwise there would have been millions of reports of hairspring problems ..Over the many years the RWC now Rolex they have acquired quite a few patents like the twin lock crown system, and the automatic winding system but Rolex did improve that one most certainly.All these technical so called advances all sound great on paper,but until they get over the main problem with mechanical watches which is gravity.Afraid we are talking about perhaps a second or two with over all accuracy, and I am sure today know ones life depends on the absolute spot on second accuracy.As for getting magnetised still quite difficult even in todays electric gadget world,but some use it as a cope out for simple regulation, but its a very very easy job to de-magnetise if needed. But lets be very honest here for any mechanical watch to be at, or below COSC spec,is quite a feat of engineering, no matter whats in the case.
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Last edited by padi56; 2 January 2011 at 10:01 PM..
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Old 3 January 2011, 06:27 PM   #3
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Thanks Padi. :)
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