Silicon balance springs Made in America

A team of U.S researchers has developed a silicon balance spring that could kickstart a revival of the American watchmaking industry "Living in the USA, we know that the state of watch manufacturing here is not like it once was.

In addition, there are significant issues surrounding American watch brands making questionable manufacturing origin claims So it made sense for us to start with one of the most difficult parts to manufacture in a mechanical watch: the hairspring." Firehouse Horology holds patents for the new balance spring, which has been tested and validated by independent watchmaker F.P Journe.

The springs are different from existing silicon balance springs in both process and material "The specific differences are discussed in the patents, but the end result," says Manousos, "Is that our hairsprings are more durable and more isochronous than competing products." When asked if Firehouse Horology has any Swiss watchmakers among its clients, Manousos declines to comment, but he does say they have the capability to manufacture hundreds of thousands of silicon hairsprings per year at Columbia University Swiss manufacturers have dominated the research and production of silicon components.

In 2005 Patek Philippe introduced the Spiromax balance spring in monocrystalline silicon, and a year later Breguet introduced a silicon escapement By 2014, Rolex had introduced its Syloxi silicon balance spring, and Swatch Group's other brands - Blancpain, Omega, Tissot, Mido and Jaquet Droz - had followed suit. . Source