Around 6 months ago, I acquired my initial set of mainspring winders. Before that, I had been manually installing mainsprings, a task I had grown quite comfortable with. I underwent the usual learning curve associated with adopting a winder, specifically the Bergeon arbor/drum type. While I faced challenges at the outset, I managed to achieve significant success following a few initial setbacks.
However, tonight marked an instance where my confidence with the winder led me astray. As I commenced assembling my next project, I allowed overconfidence to cloud my judgment. I successfully wound the mainspring up to the bridal point, and with a hasty adjustment by hand, I attempted to insert the bridal in the drum and finish winding the mainspring. Unfortunately, my approach was far too forceful, and the bridal was not properly aligned within the drum. The consequence was immediate: a resounding SNAP! The mainspring broke precisely at the bridal junction.
This mishap was unequivocally my own doing, serving as a stark reminder that the pace of our work, especially when dealing with vintage watches, must be deliberate and measured. Regrettably, I had failed to give due attention to my actions, and the repercussions were evident. This incident underscored the value of patience and attentiveness when working on horological projects.
I couldn't escape the irony that my error led to a $32 order from Jules Borel tonight. Though it had been some time since I last required a replacement part due to my own blunder, this served as an insightful lesson I won't soon forget.
However, tonight marked an instance where my confidence with the winder led me astray. As I commenced assembling my next project, I allowed overconfidence to cloud my judgment. I successfully wound the mainspring up to the bridal point, and with a hasty adjustment by hand, I attempted to insert the bridal in the drum and finish winding the mainspring. Unfortunately, my approach was far too forceful, and the bridal was not properly aligned within the drum. The consequence was immediate: a resounding SNAP! The mainspring broke precisely at the bridal junction.
This mishap was unequivocally my own doing, serving as a stark reminder that the pace of our work, especially when dealing with vintage watches, must be deliberate and measured. Regrettably, I had failed to give due attention to my actions, and the repercussions were evident. This incident underscored the value of patience and attentiveness when working on horological projects.
I couldn't escape the irony that my error led to a $32 order from Jules Borel tonight. Though it had been some time since I last required a replacement part due to my own blunder, this served as an insightful lesson I won't soon forget.
