Amplitude in a mechanical watch – what is it and what does it tell us?
A watch can look perfect and still not run the way it should – which is exactly why watchmakers pay attention to balance amplitude. This parameter shows how widely and energetically the "heart" of the movement works, and therefore whether the watch properly receives and uses energy. Find out what watch amplitude actually means, which values are considered correct, and how to measure it properly.
What is amplitude in a mechanical watch?
Amplitude is the extent of the balance wheel's swing from its position of rest to its outermost point in one direction. The result is given in degrees. When a timegrapher shows, for example, 290°, it means that the balance performs a wide and energetic motion. However, it does not refer to the full range from one extreme position to the other. The device measures the swing in one direction, in line with the accepted way of describing an oscillator's operation.
Balance amplitude tells you about the energy efficiency of the movement. The less energy is lost to friction, dirt and worn parts, the more freely the balance can work. This does not mean, however, that the highest possible result is always the best. Correct amplitude must fall within the range specified for a given caliber. The degree of mainspring wind, the position of the watch, the operating frequency of the movement and the design of the escapement all matter as well.
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What does the amplitude of a watch tell you about the condition of the movement?
The amplitude of a watch tells you above all how efficiently the movement receives and uses energy. When the balance works widely, evenly and steadily, it usually means that the mainspring, the gear train and the escapement operate without excessive resistance. Too low a result may indicate dirt, old lubricants, worn bearings, a weakened spring, or problems with power transmission.
You should not, however, judge a watch's condition based on a single number. The position of the watch, the level of mainspring wind, the specific caliber and the set escapement angle all matter too. If the amplitude is clearly lower than the recommended value, drops quickly, or varies greatly between positions, it may be a sign that the movement requires more thorough diagnostics or servicing.
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What should a watch's amplitude be?
In many modern mechanical watches, the correct amplitude at full wind is roughly around 270–310°. Horopedia indicates that the typical maximum range often lies close to 280–300°, although this depends, among other things, on the design of the movement and the escapement angle. There is no single value that can be safely applied to all watches. An older caliber may run correctly with a lower result than a modern movement, and a reading in a vertical position will usually be lower than in a horizontal one.
|
Amplitude reading |
What it may mean |
What to do |
|
Below about 200° |
clear loss of energy, high resistance, wear or incomplete wind |
repeat the measurement after full winding and consider service diagnostics |
|
About 220–260° |
a result that needs to be assessed in the context of caliber, age and position |
compare several positions and the manufacturer's data |
|
About 270–310° |
the typical range found in many modern movements |
check the stability of the result and the remaining rate parameters |
|
Above about 310° |
a possible error in setting the escapement angle or excessively high amplitude |
verify the lift angle and rule out knocking |
Do not assess watch movements based solely on a single measurement. Good amplitude should be not only suitably high, but also stable. Check the watch after full winding, and then in several positions: dial up, dial down and crown pointing in different directions. Also observe the daily deviation and beat error. Amplitude may look correct while other parameters point to a problem with regulation or the escapement. This rule applies to both the popular ETA movements and the reliable Miyota movements — each of them must be assessed according to the specification of the specific caliber.
How to measure balance amplitude?
Amplitude is most often measured using a timegrapher, which analyses the sounds of the escapement's operation. The watch is placed in the device's holder, the operating frequency of the movement is selected, and the correct escapement angle, i.e. the lift angle, is set. After a few or a dozen or so seconds, the timegrapher shows the basic results: amplitude, rate deviation and beat error. It is best to start the measurement after full winding of the spring, and then repeat it in several positions.
The greatest risk of error is associated with incorrectly setting the escapement angle. A wrong lift angle can significantly overstate or understate the displayed amplitude, even though the watch's operation has not changed. The value should therefore be checked in the documentation of the specific caliber. Do not set it "by eye" just because the device shows 52° by default. Many movements use this value, but it is not universal. Optical measurement can be more accurate, but in everyday diagnostics the quick and non-invasive acoustic measurement is used more often.
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Why does amplitude drop and what should you do then?
Amplitude drops when less energy reaches the balance or the movement loses too much of it overcoming resistance. The cause may be old or thickened oil, dirt in the gear train, worn bearings, a weakened mainspring or a problem with the escapement. The result also decreases as the power reserve runs down. That is why a measurement of a watch that has been running for several dozen hours and is close to stopping should not be directly compared with a reading taken right after full winding.
If the amplitude is consistently low, changes greatly between positions, or drops quickly after winding, do not try to improve the result by regulating rate accuracy alone. Regulation does not remove dirt, does not renew lubrication and does not repair worn parts. A watchmaker should assess the entire movement, check the energy transmission and compare the amplitude with the deviation and beat error. Too high a result also requires attention. It may indicate an incorrect lift angle or lead to the phenomenon of knocking, also called overbanking, which disrupts the operation of the escapement and worsens the accuracy of a mechanical watch.
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Krzysztof Szopa
Watch expert
An expert associated with the WestWatches.pl brand, a place that has been supplying watches for every occasion for years. Thanks to many years of experience in the watchmaking and jewellery industry, he shares his knowledge with passion, offering professional advice both in the online and brick-and-mortar shop. He specialises in selecting original watches, watch accessories and jewellery products that combine exceptional quality with competitive prices. His goal is to help customers find the ideal product that meets their expectations and highlights their style.
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