The 18th Century, the Century of the Great Watchmakers (Part 7)
By: Sílvio Pereira
Today's article is the first of two dedicated to the great French watchmaker Jean-Antoine Lépine. Lépine's genius is responsible for the kind of watches we have today: thin, light and precise. By eliminating the archaic plates and replacing them with bridges, Lépine achieved this extraordinary feat which, 250 years later, is still a standard of today's watchmaking. But Lépine did not do only this: he also improved every area of the watch mechanism and concerned himself with aesthetics, both of the dials and of the embellishment and enhancement of the cases with the use of gold and diamonds. In addition, he also created the "Lépine" type watch, as opposed to the "Savonnette" type watch.
In the next article we will conclude the story of this great master of world watchmaking.
Jean – Antoine Lépine 18.11.1720 – 31.05.1814
Jean Antoine Lépine was born in Challex, the son of a watchmaker, and began his career as the first apprentice of Decroze, in Saconnex, near Geneva. In 1744, Lépine moved to Paris, where he began working as an apprentice to André Charles Caron, a watchmaker of the time who served King Louis XV.
In 1756, he married Madeleine Françoise Caron, daughter of André Charles Caron, and became his master's partner in the firm “Caron e Lépine”, which prospered from 1756 to 1769, based in the “Rue Saint-Denis”. On 12 March 1762, Lépine obtained the title of master watchmaker and, in 1766, succeeded Caron as official watchmaker to King Louis XV.
From 1772, Lépine was established in the “Place Dauphine”. In 1778 and 1779 he is known to have worked on the “Quai de l'Horloge du Palais”. In 1781, 1783 and 1787 he carried out his activities in the "Rue des Fossés St. Germain l'Auxerrois, du côté du Louvre", and in 1789/90 his workshop was located at "Place des Victoires No. 12".
In 1782, Lépine's daughter, Pauline, married Claude Pierre Raguet, who had been Lépine's apprentice before becoming a master on 21 April 1785. In 1792, Lépine became Raguet's partner and later, between 1793 and 1794, at the age of 73, decided to retire. Despite this, the workshop continued to be known as "Lépine" and was later carried on by Raguet's heirs until it was sold in 1815.
Lépine also had business links with the famous philosopher Voltaire, who set up a watchmaking workshop in Ferney around 1770. Although Lépine's exact role in Voltaire's workshop is not fully known, it is known that he placed orders with the workshop until 1792. According to an anonymous memoir of 1784, Lépine spent 18 months in Ferney and traded watches to an annual value of 90,000 livres.
Around 1770, Lépine revolutionised the making of pocket watches by conceiving a radical design that made it possible to create thinner and more portable watches, encouraging the quest for greater miniaturisation. This innovation marked a break with a 300-year tradition in pocket-watch production and marked the beginning of the era of precision chronometers.
With this revolutionary design the modern pocket watch was born, ushering in a new era in the history of watchmaking. The ability to produce more precise and portable watches allowed a much wider spread of watch use among the general population, turning the watch into an indispensable object of everyday life.
Besides making it possible to produce even thinner watches, this innovation was easily adaptable as a basic model for the mass production of watches. That process began in the 19th century, since until the 1840s all watches were meticulously made by hand, which meant that parts were not interchangeable, limiting both the quantity and the quality of production.
The Lépine calibre, one of the first types of mechanical watch calibre, was promptly adopted in France and today is widely regarded as a reference standard for the design of all mechanical watches. It is important to note that the term “Lépine” can refer both to the calibre itself and to a specific type of pocket watch with a flat, open-face case, with the seconds wheel and seconds dial on the axis of the stem and crown. By contrast, the Savonnette or Hunter watch has the seconds wheel and the stem arranged on perpendicular axes. Since then, this design has been known in the watch industry as the Lépine style.
Lépine's work had a profound influence on all subsequent watchmaking, most notably on Abraham Louis Breguet, who used a modified version of the "calibre à ponts"[1] in his ultra-thin watches. Throughout his career, Breguet almost always used Lépine calibres, later adapting them to his own needs and characteristics.
As official watchmaker to Louis XV, Louis XVI and Napoleon Bonaparte, Lépine saw his creations highly respected and sought after, reflecting his extraordinary skill and his contribution to the world of watchmaking.
Jean – Antoine Lépine, Paris, c. 1764
This is an example of absolute refinement, a pocket watch with a gold consular case, boasting 39.0 mm of pure elegance. The case is adorned with gilt brass details on the front, and the movement is a verge fusée, a true marvel of watchmaking.
The case lid is framed by a silver bezel, elegantly set with diamonds that lend a touch of opulence to this treasure. The rest of the case is decorated with engravings of geometric figures, a testament to the refined craftsmanship that defines this piece.
A diamond case-opening button stands out, raising the luxury and sophistication of this watch even further. The silvered regulator dial is a setting of elegance, in perfect harmony with the steel regulator hand. It has a steel cock with two feet, elements that show an attention to detail that transcends generations.
The round pillars, together with the enamelled copper dial, are adorned with silver inserts forming delicate floral designs, with small diamonds skilfully placed between the Roman numerals.
This watch bears the signature “Lépine à Paris”, a seal of quality and tradition in watchmaking. The silvered brass hands are also richly detailed with diamonds, and the hour hand has the distinctive shape of a “fleur-de-lis”, giving it a distinctive and refined touch.
This piece is not merely an object of precision but a masterpiece that reflects the rich heritage of fine watchmaking.
Jean – Antoine Lépine, Paris, c. 1766
This example is a true testament to refinement in watchmaking. A pocket watch with a stunning gold consular case, with a modest diameter of 33.0 mm. Its front is a work of art, adorned with meticulous gilt brass details. The movement is an example of the purest elegance, incorporating the sophisticated verge fusée system.
The element that immediately catches the eye is the case lid, delicately surrounded by a silver bezel, elegantly set with dazzling diamonds. The artistic details of the case include finely worked engravings of geometric figures that add a refined artistic dimension.
A touch of luxury and refinement is added by the case-opening button, enriched with a diamond that not only performs a practical function but also raises the piece to a higher level of sophistication.
The back of the case is a true masterpiece, with delicate multicoloured gold leaves dancing in harmony, combining shades of white, yellow and pink. They surround an elegant enamelled bezel, whose highlight is the portrait of a lady, framed by a silvered ring and crowned by a bow-shaped knot, also silvered, meticulously decorated with small diamonds. The enamelling technique known as “grisaille”, with a monochrome palette in shades of grey on a purple ground, reveals an extraordinary mastery of the arts.
The regulator dial is a stunning piece in silver, enriched with Roman and Arabic numerals, and is complemented by an elegant blued-steel regulator hand. In addition, a small two-footed steel cock adds extra grace to the composition. The pillars are skilfully worked and have a round design, in perfect harmony with the enamelled copper dial. The signature “L'Epine h(orlo)ger du Roy à Paris” is more than a simple identification: it is a seal of distinction.
The hands of this example are true jewels. The hour hand is a piece in silvered brass set with rubies, skilfully shaped as a “fleur-de-lis”. The minute hand is ornamented with diamonds, adding a further layer of refinement to this remarkable watch.
Lépine earned the prestigious title of “Watchmaker to the King” in 1766, a milestone that left an indelible mark on all his later works.
Throughout his career, Lépine used various abbreviations of this title, besides occasionally using the full version.
This example is, without doubt, a jewel of watchmaking that embodies the highest standard of refinement and sophistication.
Jean – Antoine Lépine, Paris, 1766
This remarkable gilt brass watch, with front winding and a sophisticated verge fusée movement, stands out for its dial plate, 38.0 mm in diameter.
The regulator dial is skilfully worked in silver, although the absence of the regulator hand should be noted.
Attention is drawn to the round and remarkably small baluster pillars, which give the piece a singular aesthetic.
The back plate, engraved “L'Epine hor(loger) du Roy A PARIS”, has the peculiarity of not being numbered. Meanwhile, the enamelled copper dial displays Roman and Arabic numerals, with the signature “L'Epine Hor(loger) du Roy A PARIS” prominently shown.
A curious detail is the winding hole, protected by a steel cylinder.
This example bears witness to the various ways in which Lépine signed his works, especially after he became watchmaker to Louis XV. Although the abbreviations remain consistent, the handwriting and the layout of the words, as well as the signature itself, may vary slightly, adding uniqueness to each piece.
Jean – Antoine Lépine, Paris, No. 1103, 1766
This exquisite gilt brass watch, with front winding and a fusée movement, reveals a quarter-repeating mechanism with Lépine's remarkable patent, characterised by two steel hammers “à toc”[2].
The dial plate, with a generous diameter of 39.0 mm, features a stunning silvered regulator surface, elegantly accented by a blued-steel regulator hand, adding a touch of distinction to this magnificent piece.
The baluster pillars, small and round in shape, give it a singular elegance.
The back plate is skilfully engraved “Lépine Hor(loger) du Roy A PARIS” and bears the number “No. 1103”. The rim of the dial plate, for its part, is free of engraving.
The enamelled copper dial is decorated with Roman and Arabic numerals and notably signed “Lépine invent et fecit”.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the back of the dial is signed “Palet”.
The gold hour and minute hands are characteristic of the Louis XV style, adding a touch of opulence to this truly exquisite example.
This movement is a remarkable piece, considered the oldest known with the repeating function by Lépine, an innovation born from the creative mind of this master in 1763. A detailed report on this invention was published by the illustrious "L'Académie Royale des Sciences" in 1766. The main motivation behind this revolutionary system was to replace the old chain-and-pulley method[3] offering a much more efficient solution. Although its manufacture was more complex, the new system significantly reduced the number of parts needed for the repeating mechanism.
Initially, this invention went through a slower period of adoption owing to the complexity of its manufacture. Over time, however, many watches fitted with this system survived and prospered. From 1784, Lépine began systematically incorporating this new system into all his repeating movements, while increasing the diameter of the watches. As the decades passed, the shapes of the different parts of this system evolved, culminating in the 19th century, when this improved version was adopted by all the notable watchmakers of the time.
It was in 1853 that Louis Moinet finally published the definitive configuration of this system, consolidating its importance in watchmaking.
An intriguing detail is the change in Lépine's signature, which evolved from “Lépine à Paris” to “Lépine Horloger du Roy à Paris” at production number 1100, dated 1766. This information makes it possible to date the appearance of this movement precisely. It is worth mentioning that this movement is the oldest known with the addition of "Horloger du Roy" to Lépine's signature, adding prestige to his work.
Development of the "Lépine calibre", the bridge watch movement, 1762 – 1792
While Lépine was perfecting various components of watch movements, notably the cylinder and anchor escapements, and seeking the ideal aesthetics for the design of dials and hands, he took a revolutionary step in the history of watchmaking. Gradually, Lépine abandoned the concept of the full-plate movement[4] in favour of a more advanced and functional version, in which the wheels, the balance and the escapement were fixed to the upper plate by a single pin, with a system of bridges on the other side.
At this point, the fusée was removed, since it was not needed to guarantee the precision of the movement. This had no negative impact on the watch's precision, as it did not depend on cylinder or anchor escapements, which normally required the fusée to maintain regularity. With the elimination of the fusée, movements became thinner, that is, more delicate and smoother.
To improve the regularity of the movement even further, Lépine introduced the tapered mainspring[5]. This spring is thinner on the outside, contributing to better performance and precision.
The development of the watch movement took place in several stages, which overlapped over time. However, even during this evolutionary process, Lépine continued to use the “full-plate” system in all his watches. This means that the structure of the watch plate was completely covered, without openings or cut-outs. The advantage of the new calibre was evident: each wheel could be separated and adjusted without having to dismantle the whole movement and, moreover, the new layout allowed watches to be thinner.
Other watchmakers followed suit and further perfected the bridge movement, with Abraham Louis Breguet playing an important role in this development. The Lépine bridge movement is still used in modern mechanical watches and represents a natural advance following Breguet's contributions. These improvements continued throughout the 19th century, simplifying and automating the manufacturing process.
First transitional calibre, 1762 – 1764
This version was developed with the aim of creating the smallest and thinnest possible movement. A particularly notable feature of this calibre is the barrel[6], visible through the back plate. This feature was also adopted in many later movements of this type.
These later movements frequently have an English-style steel or brass cylinder escapement, which saves considerable space compared with the verge escapement. Even so, in these movements the watch is still wound from the dial side, and they remain hinged to a case.
Few examples of these movements have survived, and all of them were used by Lépine's watchmakers or by Parisian watchmakers connected with Lépine's workshop.
Jean – Antoine Lépine for Daniel Vaucher, Paris, c. 1762
This elegant watch has a gilt brass cylinder movement with a 24.5 mm dial and a depth of 6 mm.
The absence of a centre arbor is noteworthy.
A distinctive feature is the pillarless barrel with an enclosed wheel train[7], visible through a removable section, skilfully engraved with the regulation scale[8].
The escapement is a cylinder (dead beat)[9] in brass, while the balance is made of steel and incorporates the spiral balance spring.
This piece belongs to the first type of transitional movement, developed before the creation of the important “Lépine suspended-barrel calibre”[10]. The dial is a work of art in two-colour enamelled copper, without any signature.
It is crucial to mention that Lépine was a pioneer in the use of Arabic numerals to indicate the hours, an innovation that was later slightly modified to become the famous “Chiffres Breguet” (Breguet numerals).
Second transitional calibre, 1767 – 1770
Only five watches with this remarkable calibre are known, each with distinct characteristics. Some have a sophisticated double anchor or a mixed escapement. One of these watches stands out for its "pump winding" mechanism (where the watch is wound through the stem). In the others, the watch is skilfully wound from the dial side.
A truly striking feature of this calibre is a generous opening in the back plate, giving a clear and dazzling view of the complex escapement mechanism. This unique opening allows the balance to be positioned with great elegance and precision, so that the balance spring sits delicately at the level of the back plate. To add even more refinement, the balance bridge was elegantly modified and now has the graceful shape of an arch, carefully fixed by two screws.
These exceptional watches are true masterpieces of watchmaking, bearing witness not only to Lépine's genius but also to his unceasing pursuit of innovation and excellence in the world of the science of time.
Jean – Antoine Lépine, Paris, No. 1251, 1767
This magnificent watch has a gold case with exquisite gilt brass details, a true work of art in watchmaking. The double-anchor escapement belongs to the second transitional type and reflects the constant evolutionary process towards the Lépine bridge-calibre movement[11].
A standout detail is the surprisingly low position of the brass balance, with the steel balance spring delicately level with the plate. An elegant T-shaped bridge masterfully supports the balance, which is adorned with a steel cock. The regulator hand, also in steel, adds a touch of refinement to the whole.
The back plate is engraved with the regulator index, as well as the signature “Lépine hor(lo)ger du Roy A Paris”, and numbered “1251”. Contrary to traditional methods, the movement is fixed not by a hinge but by three refined steel retaining screws, demonstrating the constant pursuit of innovation and superior quality.
The stunning enamelled copper dial, although it has gone through several signature phases over time, such as “L'Epine Horloger du Roy”, or “Breguet-hands”, carries with it the history of watchmaking.
The cuvette, or dust cover[12] is made of gilt brass and bears no signature.
And, as a testament to Lépine's lasting influence, this is just one of about five surviving watches signed by this master watchmaker. Each example is a unique jewel and a true relic, demonstrating Lépine's extraordinary skill and vision.
Third transitional calibre, 1770 – 1771
Only two movements of this calibre are known. One has a cylinder escapement (IIIa), while the other has an anchor escapement (IIIb). Both movements are fixed in the case from the back, with no visible hinges.
Winding and hand-setting are done from the back, an innovation of Lépine's that became standard in later versions.
The calibre includes a dust cover that also gives instructions on the winding direction and manual setting.
The barrel passes through the back plate, which was reintroduced to support the escapement and the other wheels of the train.
The balance and the mainspring barrel are connected by a bridge. In variant (IIIb), this bridge holding the mainspring barrel is fixed with just one screw.
Jean Antoine Lépine for Carl Erick Orbin, No. 371, Stockholm, 1770, 1785
This watch is a magnificent piece, with a stunning gold consular case. The gilt brass cylinder movement is a remarkable example of watchmaking engineering. It has a unique transitional Lépine calibre, positioned between the second and third types.
The barrel, a critical part of the movement, is held by an arched, skilfully engraved bridge. Another touch of exquisite craftsmanship is the balance cock, decorated with French-style engravings. The cylinder escape wheel, a vital component of the movement, is made of brass.
The back plate tells a unique story, with the inscription “Carl Er(ick) Orbin Stockholm No. 371”, in unison with the engraved regulator index. It also has an exquisite plate engraved with Orbin's initials, “C E O” (Charles Edouard Orbin), as well as a steel cock without rubies.
This watch is a piece of extraordinary precision and functionality. It has a lever on the edge of the dial, positioned at 4 o'clock. This stop lever acts as a brake on the balance, making it possible to stop the movement when necessary, a notable feature that adds versatility to the watch.
The centre seconds wheel runs beneath the dial, with the seconds hand elegantly positioned between the hour and minute hands. The enamelled copper dial is majestic and bears the owner's name, “Johan Romberg”, together with the time indication and the inscription “Orbin”. The original gilt English-style hands perfectly complement the aesthetics of the dial.
In short, this watch is not just a piece of watchmaking but also a work of art and sophistication, full of details that demonstrate the skill and talent of the craftsmen.
Lépine's developments found wide dissemination and rapid adoption throughout Europe. Specifically, owing to Jean Antoine Lépine's collaboration with André Hessen, a Swedish expatriate established in Paris, these innovations also reached the Scandinavian peninsula.
This movement incorporates several innovations, including a unique Lépine transitional calibre, a winding cannon system[13], a perforated back plate and a new cannon stop system [14] positioned on the back plate. In addition, it has a cylinder escapement and a new form of concentric balance regulating spring[15]
accompanied by a large circular steel balance[16]. Overall, all these technical features lead to this movement being classified as a synthesis between the second and third transitional types, also including some features of the first transitional calibre.
This watch was sold to:
Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Moritz von Romberg 1724 – 1792
Son of Konrad Stephan Baron von Romberg (1691 – 1755), a prominent nobleman and head of the Knights of the County of Mark, and of Mechtel Matia Christine von Botlenberg (1700 – 1771). Johann Romberg had a distinguished career in the Prussian army, reaching the rank of Major General and chief of the Infantry Regiment “Schottenstein” Nr.16 in Königsberg (Prussia) on 22 May 1785.
Königsberg, formerly part of Prussia, was renamed Kaliningrad in 1946 and is currently the capital of a Russian enclave called "Kaliningrad Oblast", located between Poland and Lithuania. The city has a direct connection to the Bay of Gdansk and, consequently, to the eastern Baltic Sea. Stockholm, only about 600 km from Königsberg, is easily reached by boat. It is understandable that Romberg ordered the watch in Stockholm, since there were no other major watchmaking centres in the Königsberg region.
Scientific and technological advances rarely follow a linear progression; instead, they reflect a constant search for the ideal compromise and an approach based on trial and error. A fascinating example of this is a watch fitted with a lever-activated balance stop system, turning it into a highly precise scientific tool. These watches could be perfectly synchronised with extremely precise reference clocks, allowing exact timekeeping. Initially, they were used as observation instruments in astronomical contexts.
It is important to stress that the balance stop system, activated by a lever on the edge of the dial, is often misinterpreted as a primitive form of chronograph. However, this system was designed exclusively to stop the watch's movement, in order to synchronise it with a precision clock.
Fourth transitional calibre, 1771
This calibre has practically all the characteristics of the final version known as the “bridge version”. The structure of the movement comprises the upper plate, all the wheels, the escapement and the balance, all of them supported by bridges. These parts are fixed in bridges that are screwed to the main plate of the movement, providing stability and support. The case is hinged, allowing it to be opened.
The spring is activated by pressing a small button on the edge of the movement. This action releases the spring, allowing it to set the watch going. The only notable difference between this transitional version and the final version (with bridges) lies in the way the barrel is supported. In the transitional version it is held by a specific bridge, whereas in the final versions it hangs freely, without the additional support of the bridge.
Jean – Antoine Lépine, Paris, 1771
This is a watch mechanism made of gilt brass, with back winding and a cylinder movement 53 mm in diameter. The mechanism has a fourth, multi-bridge transitional calibre, prior to the introduction of the classic Lépine bridge calibre.
The balance is made of polished steel, while the cylinder is made of brass. Unfortunately, there is no motion work or dial, and there is no visible signature.
The hands are set from the back, following the same pattern as the final version.
Did you know?
In watchmaking, multi-bridge means that a watch has more than one bridge. There are several reasons for a watch to have several bridges. One reason is to increase the watch's precision. A watch with several bridges can oscillate more frequently, which makes it more precise. Another reason is to add a touch of complexity and sophistication to the watch.
Multi-bridge watches can have two, three, four or even more. Watches with two bridges are the most common. Those with three are less common, but some models are still available. Those with four or more are very rare and generally very expensive.
Here are some examples of watches with several bridges:
Patek Philippe Calibre 89: This watch has 36 bridges and is considered the most complex watch in the world.
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine Quantième Complet: This watch has two bridges and is an example of a high-quality watch with more than one bridge.
Notes:
[1] "Calibre à ponts" is characterised by a series of bridges, which are thin metal plates, often bridge-shaped, that cover and protect the internal parts of the movement. These bridges are used to hold the different parts of the movement in place and to ensure that they work precisely and stably.
The main advantage of this design is that it increases the rigidity and durability of the movement, protecting the internal parts from shocks and dust. In addition, many people consider the “à ponts” design aesthetically attractive, as the bridges can be decorated with intricate patterns, engravings and finishes that make the movement a work of art.
[2] When a watch is described as “à toc”, it means that it has an additional complication known as a minute repeater. The minute repeater is a special function that allows the user to activate a mechanism so that the watch emits sounds representing the hours and minutes. These sounds are normally produced by small hammers striking gongs inside the watch case. When the mechanism is activated, the watch plays a sequence of strikes to indicate the hours and then a number of strikes to indicate the minutes elapsed since the last hour.
[3] This refers to a system for transmitting mechanical energy consisting of a chain and a pulley, a wheel with a groove in its rim for the chain to run in. In watchmaking, the chain and pulley were often used to transmit energy from the winding mechanism to the repeating mechanism. When the watch was activated to strike the hours or minutes, the chain was pulled by the pulley, thus activating the repeating mechanism. This system had some limitations in terms of efficiency and complexity, which led to innovations such as the repeating system created by Lépine, which offered a more efficient and elegant solution for this function.
[4] This refers to a type of movement construction in which all the internal parts of the mechanism are mounted on a single plate, known as the “main plate” or “bottom plate”. In this type of movement there are no openings or cut-outs in the main plate, and all the gears, springs and components of the mechanism are mounted on this plate. The full-plate movement has limitations in terms of accessibility for adjustments and repairs, as it requires complete dismantling.
[5] A type of spring used to store energy in a mechanical watch. Also known as the main spring or barrel spring.
[6] This refers to a specific compartment in the watch movement called the “barrel”. This “barrel” is an important part of the winding mechanism, where the mainspring is housed and kept under tension. When the watch is wound, the spring inside the “barrel” is in effect being coiled.
[7] This describes a specific configuration found in some mechanical watch movements. In this configuration, the barrel, which stores the energy of the mainspring, is placed at the centre of the movement, and the wheel train, consisting of the gears that transmit energy from the barrel to the escapement, is positioned around the barrel, forming a compact, enclosed assembly.
[8] It is an essential part of a watch's mechanism, as it allows watchmakers to adjust the watch so that it remains accurate over time. The precision of a mechanical watch can be affected by a variety of factors, including temperature variations, wear of parts and other external factors, and the regulation scale is a valuable tool for keeping the watch running as accurately as possible.
[9] The literal translation would be “batida morta”; in Portuguese the term “segundos mortos” (dead seconds) is used. The seconds hand makes small jumps every second, pausing briefly before advancing to the next marker.
[10] A specific type of watch movement. In this type of calibre, the mainspring barrel is suspended only from a bridge or upper plate, instead of being fixed at both ends.
[11] A term used to describe a type of watch-movement architecture in which the gears, wheels and other components are mounted on a bridge structure. The bridge is a metal plate that spans the watch movement, holding and fixing the components in place.
[12] The cover that protects the dial and the movement of the watch. It is usually the cover on the side opposite the main cover.
[13] This refers to the part that projects from the outside of the watch, where the crown is fitted to wind the mechanism.
[14] It is designed so that, once the watch is fully wound, the crown cannot continue to be turned, preventing the user from overwinding. The cannon stop is generally implemented as a clutch or a lever that disengages the crown from the winding mechanism when the tension reaches the appropriate level. This prevents the user from applying more force to the winding than necessary.
[15] A ring-shaped spring made of different metals, designed to compensate for temperature variations and regulate the oscillation of the balance.
[16] This refers to the balance of the watch itself. A large balance usually indicates that the diameter of the balance is relatively large compared with other watches. This can have implications for the stability and precision of the watch, as a larger balance tends to have a slower frequency of oscillation, which can lead to better precision.
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