Illustrated Guide to Using a Mechanical Watch Timing Machine and Methods for Authenticating Movement Authenticity

The use of a mechanical watch timing machine is an important part of watch authentication and evaluation. Through instrument testing, we can observe whether the watch is operating normally and check for risks such as potential faults. For the special attributes of some brands, the authenticity of their movements can also be judged through instrument testing.

Daily rate: The display of timing error within 24 hours. The chronometer standard is +6 to -4 seconds per day.

Amplitude: The swing range of the balance wheel. The normal value is 250 – 320. Most watches need maintenance when the amplitude is lower than 220.

Polarization: The swing value of the balance wheel’s axis. A value within 0.8 is normal; an excessively large value will accelerate the wear of the axis.

Beat rate: The vibration frequency of the balance wheel within one hour, which is a constant value set by the manufacturer for the movement. Currently, the commonly used frequency for automatic movements is 28800 vibrations per hour.

For some brands of mechanical watches, a special vibration frequency refers to a movement that differs from the ordinary vibration frequency. For example, the 25,200 vibration frequency shown in the above figure is quite special. The vibration frequency is set by the manufacturer when producing the movement, and it is commonly found in in-house movements. Changing the vibration frequency requires redesigning the core components of the movement, which is as difficult as redesigning a new movement, and currently, replica watches cannot achieve this. Identifying the movements of some brands through their special frequencies is a very quick method. In addition, the in-house 3120 and 3126 movements of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak have a vibration frequency of 21,600, while replica watches use the 7750 base movement with a vibration frequency of 28,800.

The vibration frequency of the IWC Jones Sword collection is also quite special, at 18,000 vibrations per hour, which can also serve as a reference for authenticity identification.