The Secret World of Hairsprings with Bovet 1822

For the very first, we have been able to access and bring you along to a very secret workshop where they manufacture the most strategic component of any mechanical watch: the hairspring.
This privileged access was granted to us by Bovet 1822, one of the very rare brands that do this themselves, and we were able to uncover part of the mystery behind the fabrication process. Find out more in this exclusive video report!

[@mustafaocal4256]

Man, unlike alot of watch channels that are more or less "styling watches" this channel actually helps one understand the aspects of mechanical watchmaking, to some degree. I find it fascinating and I'm able to appreciate the work that goes into it. Bravo.

[@TomatoFettuccini]

You should check out Wristwatch Revival then. The guy whose channel it is is an amateur watchmaker but he explains a lot as he restores and repairs watches.

[@yandenuts]

Wow! This channel never ceases to provide great information.

[@k.c.lejeune6613]

For those people griping about Marc Andre talking with his hands, 9 out of 10 times a person doesn't even realise that they are using their hands when they talk, more common than you think. Also if that's the only thing you get out of this WONDERFUL video by Marc, then you have bigger issues. Ignore the haters Marc Andre! GREATEST fine watch coverage on the planet!! Respect my friend from Kevin in Louisiana USA.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Thanks so much for your understanding, but must admit that I did get a bit carried away, but got the message ;) doing my best now, hahaha

[@Player_Review]

What I learned from this episode is not to shove a potato into my watch.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Hahaha, good one!!!!

[@johnmoorefilm]

Marc, please please please please please please please please please please please please please please PLEASE do more of these components videos! I know most of us know this stuff but SEEING it makes all the difference and it is vital for the growth of the Chanel that you take in more people who want to know but feel intimidated! Thank you so so much

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Working on such a concept ;)

[@JTMarlin8]

Excellent video. The key takeaway is the sorting process. No matter how much they control the manufacturing, in the end there is variation and the only way to get the best results is to sort and match hair springs to balance wheels through actual testing. This is the same way they make super precision ball bearings and high performance CPUs.

[@aovint63]

This video could have been an hour long and I'd still be glued to the monitor. Thanks.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

;) and very welcome, happy you liked it.

[@TheChzoronzon]

Almost nothing is "good" for the "enviroment" depending on how you define "good" and "enviroment"...that, if you happen to have a definition, which I doubt

[@jean-julienjupinet8310]

Archangel777 statement is simplistic and a little silly. TheChzoronzon your reply to it is plain intellectual dishonesty.

[@lukasvrabec5783]

It uses small amounts of materials, doesn't produce dangerous pollution and have really long service time, it can work literally for centuries. So all energy and harm to nature which came with its production is negligible for time for service. Even when thrown away - no toxic materials.

[@jean-julienjupinet8310]

Video streaming, in the other hand, is mass poluting... So whining about hairspring making being harmful to the environment on youtube is quite cynical indeed...

[@SameBasicRiff]

the video and audio quality of this, even besides the great content, is phenomenal. kudos.

[@nicholasolifant9538]

I'm so fascinated with watchmaking and the hair spring is one of the most important part of this watch that brings the watch to life

[@manduheavyvazquez5268]

Bovet one the best pioneers in the business. Greatness.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

A style of its own, but quality is way way up there, total commitment!

[@watchesandart2868]

Who on this planet is voting thumbs down on such an excellent report? Huge thumbs up.

[@bwhog]

Concentric spring instead of spiral. Interesting idea. I also note the tray of different balance wheels. Suggests that a lot of hand selection and hand fitting of parts goes on, which is part of the key to quality.

[@joaobalhe]

fantastic report marc (and the team)

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Thanks a lot from the team ;)

[@drm7mmed]

Fascinating, more videos like this please :)

[@paulandsueroberts4121]

I love these little insights into the finer art of watchmaking Marc.....look forward to the next one.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Getting a whole new series concept on the way!

[@mahamza86]

Very detailed and very easy to understand video. You did it once again Marc.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Thanks a lot!

[@IODell]

New to your channel. Fantastic content. Thank you Marc.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Great and welcome aboard, thanks for the comment and er have plenty of reports i think you will enjoy!! The very best to you

[@mraz8251]

Once again, fantastic coments, very profound, you really help me to know much more about the very tiny details which make a watch work. A sping is not just a spring. It is already a masterpiece of state of the art technology and handworkship. Thank you, thank you.

[@cofeebeing]

Always something new to learn. Not flat but round makes a difference. Must try to get better picture why this is so. Oh yes ,Thanks for the clip. Also, the precision and craftsmanship of a high quality watch translates to the pride of having a finely made tiny machine on ones wrist. A quartz movement will likely out perform it for accuracy but somehow soulless.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Yes, that's the right word; soulless. Have a very nice day

[@jovangorgi]

Bravo, I love your show, Mister. Great talk.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Thanks a lot!!

[@MrMozz07]

I just can't understand why this channel doesn't have more subscribers! Love your videos!

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Us too ;) but happy to make you happy with what we love to do, so don't hesitate to share some good words about us ;)

[@alpal2722]

Thanks Marc for making another informative and extremely interesting video, you always inspire me, wish you were around in my youth to inspire me into a career in watch making. at least i can get a daily fix..Your chanel is one I do recommend to others (but) at the same time i giggle inside knowing I am in an "exclusive" little club of people in the know...wink wink. cheers again for the fab chanel.

[@dsfs17987]

he might get more subs if he'd stop waving his hands all the fucking time...

[@user-w00d]

Super video about a hair of balance !!!!

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching

[@olivieraubin4975]

Sûrement une des vidéos le plus claire et concise qu'il m'est été donné de voir sur le fonctionnement des montres mécaniques. Toujours pertinent et enthousiaste , il semble que vous soyez, en plus, un excellent vulgarisateur .

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Merci, l'horlogerie est en effet un art compliqué et je veux vraiment rendre ça accessible à tous, mais il y a du boulot!!!

[@slapshot0074]

Am continuing to spread the word about this great channel.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Highly appreciated!!! Thanks a lot and all the best to you

[@0117kirk9]

Thank you for sharing your passion. And always I found your video to be informative and entertaining.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Thanks a lot, that's the objective ;)

[@user-ud2ij7ro5c]

Excellently executed and explained Mr. Marc. Thank you sir.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

More than welcome and thanks.

[@ilivill]

BEST VIDEO ON THIS CHANNEL!

[@dineshjiawan]

People who love mechanical watches almost always love fountain pens. The better ones are also handmade. Maybe you can review this item also?

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Very true, i came across this too with some other watch fans. We'll think it over!

[@WanderingNuts]

You'll complete the gentleman's look with that.

[@ARocaCron]

It's impossible not to be in love with this industry. Great video like always. Keep up the great work! Best regards from your best fan from Bolivia!

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Thanks a lot, makes us happy!!! All the very best to you

[@gennarinotortolani1626]

I love watch and repairing hairspring , the best relax therapy

[@sky173]

Absolutely fascinating. It reminds me of the beating heart for the clock. thanks for sharing!

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

You are very welcome, thanks a lot. If you liked this one, I think you might appreciate that one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqnGimSal7R7e5Y Best to you

[@KrunchLive]

I want this guy to wash my hair and massage my scalp. I think it will be the best wash and scalp massage I've had in a while...

[@mikehoward5004]

A blued hair spring, escape wheel and pallet fork look killer. Great video, Marc.

[@iamaitin]

Best youtube channel for watch aficionado

[@timemachineeddie1146]

A really amazing video. Thanks for sharing.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Very welcome!

[@pwn1966]

Yup.More of these videos please!

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

On your way soon ;)

[@Vacgray]

The best watch channel ever

[@crobulari2328]

Very interesting video. Thank you. Companies like Bovet are specialists and try to keep their main secrets, however there is a Chinese company that specialise as well. Never underestimate the opposition !!.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Competition will become tougher for sure!

[@mohamedajmal3817]

Great lesson after long time

[@davidrosin2854]

Coolest backdrop on KZbin!

[@jordano10ful]

I want to be your assistant , to be around those magnific watches makers , your Chanel is amazing . you are blessed with a lovely job ....CONGRATULATION

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Thanks a lot and yes feel very privileged to do what I love!!!!

[@noahprtlnd]

Engineering never fails to amaze me.

[@vik4557]

Very informative 👍🏼

[@klauswhitedreamer]

Thank you for the video , Marc !

[@millhead56]

Another great video. Thank you very much😁

[@John-tx5or]

Cars, homey. Nicely explained video.

[@sergeh2215]

Thank you, Very helpful for my job. C'est trés bien explicate.

[@Pablosammy1]

Fascinating video

[@LuisFernandoP]

Gerar video. I hope to see more videos like this one. Gerat job guys!

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

You can count on us! Best to you

[@naikrosh]

awesome video ! you do a superb job with your videos.

[@williambtm1]

Marc Andre` thank you for your presentation, this subject dealing with precision watches requires one to become a master of the terminology that best refers to a specified object-matter, so not an easy task to master given that one must utilize the absolute correct terminology for each component. Very important. Yes, you do your presentation that is just so carefully timed that will allow the non-watch-function familiar persons.... to be able to comprehend.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Thanks a lot for this and I hope to bring much more on the watchmaking table!

[@Bo2pieri]

The wall behind this man is 👍👍👍👍 ..

[@Bhatakti_Hawas]

Please make a video on different types chimes, repeaters etc. explaning grand sonnerie, petite sonnerie, westminster chimes and all of that

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

This will come for sure and already looking forward making them!

[@bobschaaf2549]

Marc André: Congratulations on a fascinating and informative episode. Very well written! I can see why these guys don't get bored. While their world might look very small from the outside, it's really a whole universe of variables and measurable effects. There's also a lore that they share amongst themselves and no one else. They probably tell each other hairspring jokes. They are a priesthood in a mystery cult. Also, thanks for the potato warning. I'll keep them away from my exhaust pipe.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Haha, good and beware of those potatoes ;)

[@peglegnoid6139]

The beat goes on.

[@buckotte1414]

Very lovely !!

[@alexp3752]

Marc, thank you! Only the Swiss and Germans have the skills necessary to perform this type of high-quality work. Both countries possess what I loosely term: A Culture of Quality!

[@luiskp7173]

Alex P Typical German arrogance, while the Japanese keep coming with higher quality watches, Cars, pens, Sound systems, knives, you name it.

[@jesusnapoles6103]

Very cool , and educational. I really apprecciate it. I just started collecting watches and I’ve worked on some already. Im an a industrial mechanic, and when i started looking into mechanical watches, it really caught my attention. So i’ve been learning for the past two months and this is really the heart of it. Thanks brother. Keep it up. Will be subscribing and hitting those like buttons...

[@masqueman01]

Wow! Great video!

[@marcoathayde42]

Fantastic!!!

[@dariobmx]

Great video as always Marc!!!!!

[@anamaebiasongpacho7710]

Your video was awesome i wish you will give a tools for making clock this comming new year .

[@nunoteixeiradesign]

Great info*****

[@douro20]

Do they also make their own jewel bearings?

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

No, good point and this is indeed a very niche and specific skillset.

[@monoshah3289]

You are the best bro ♥. Keep up your good work and giving us all this info.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

You're very welcome, thanks!

[@monoshah3289]

likewise.

[@talibanking]

is it impossible for this guy to put his hands down?

[@abundantharmony]

😆

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Legend says he destroyed a thousand bumper watches...

[@abundantharmony]

Very informative, Hands ..I mean Hans.

[@cubatea]

his hands have a life of their own!

[@GearZenChannel]

And here we have part of the answer to the question "why is that watch so expensive?"

[@Verbatimorgish]

Yeahhhhhh

[@TheCalculusFan]

Great video as usual! Just received Louis' book in the post here in the US.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Cool! Enjoy it

[@goingdroning8891]

I've always wanted to know more about watches. Today I subbed to you! Thanks.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

That's great, makes us happy!

[@theresa42213]

Totally fascinating! l always wondered how they make these teeny tiny parts!

[@NathanChisholm041]

Even though this is a few years old it was very interesting too WATCH! Pun intended!!

[@copperjarhead]

gun smithing, and law enforcement. those are the two occupations that come to mind for the passion of day to day repetitiveness. so much precision, and complexity for an otherwise simple concept. love this stuff.

[@dineshjiawan]

Very informative

[@phototristan]

There's no way I could ever be a watchmaker. I would get too frustrated working with the tiny parts and toss it all off the table.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Needs dexterity for sure!!!!

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Very well said!!

[@JerehmiaBoaz]

I got in to watches because my former German girlfriend was a watchmaker (and she's a collector still). It's not the frustration, it's the cramps and ultimately the carpal tunnel syndrome.

[@monoshah3289]

phototristan I would say that the desire of being a watchmaker is all about dedication and focus based on choice. You either have it (eagerness) in you or you dont.

[@halnwheels]

There is a joy of taking a flat hairspring and pinning it to the collet, then forming an overcoil. This is why I like the older watches. When you watch the vibration of the hairspring, there is no side thrust on the staff. It "breathes" in a very natural way. I was taught two methods of forming the overcoil. My favorite is the Z-Bend. I prefer it esthetically, although it is harder to make and a little more prone to breakage.

[@legendxxx1]

Great vid.

[@AmatriceBand]

How would they make these manually in the past then ?

[@strobemachine]

Great video, as usual! Very interesting subject and the first time indeed I see (part of) the manufacturing process of the hairspring! I'd liked though the video to be a bit more technical, talking about the introduction of the Spiral Breguet, new types of materials etc. Great however! PS. Je savais que nous avions l'horlogerie et l'aviation comme passions communes, mais il semble que l'automobile aussi! Bonne continuation!

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Haha et merci. Currently working on a new technical series concept, so this should be addressed pretty soon I hope. All the best to you

[@cfauvel]

loved this part 1 video.....seriously I need more to answer questions I have. So they start with four threads wound together then heated, when it comes out you have four springs that lay flat...how do they get them to rise up on each coil? I also want to see how they balance the balance wheel.

[@watchnerds]

great video! it's amazing that you're talking those things without drinking any water at all... 😂😂😂😂😂 by the way... it's amazing that someone really gets into hairspring as I considered the hairspring exam is the most difficult of all....(I've attended a watchmaking school and finished last year)... too bad that you can't show any part of the production process of making the spiral hairspring ... as I really curious about how to do that (including the spherical hairspring found in gyrotourbillon 3 and several other timepiece)...

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Some secrets had to be kept ;)

[@rockroyaltymc]

Such a cool MB&F on your wrist there Marc ;)

[@sucapizda]

Probably use the small pink Barbie Magic Bake oven. Remember those? They are perfect for baking Hair Springs.

[@Moose-ez1oo]

An other great video! Thanks for the sharing

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Very welcome!

[@ianmedium]

I really enjoyed this one and agree, this could have been an hour long documentary. I am really looking forward to seeing more videos in this vein. How about the dark art of mainsprings or hand making?

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Something along the line will come ;) working on a new series of content, but pschhhhut...

[@MattHBchannel10]

i love your videos, they are fabulous :)

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Thank you very very much and best to you

[@antoine8698]

Tout simplement fascinant, merci beaucoup ! Pensez vous que Bovet puisse prendre des stagiaires en été ?

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

La plupart des horlogers ferment quasiment pendant un mois durant l'été, ce qu'on appelle les "vacances horlogères", mais sait-on jamais! Envoyez-nous vos coordonnées à [e-mail] et on transmettra.

[@harrycee656]

The bigger the check the more enthusiasm you get out of a person.

[@robfilmer]

Fascinating!

[@meredocu]

I guess that showing the temperature of cooking would give away the specific compound of the steel.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Would for sure give some precious info!

[@georgeberes7981]

This is damn accurate

[@treatb09]

are we to expect wind up sports cars now?

[@kreed1004]

thank you jazz hands

[@weerobot]

I'm in Love...

[@tomelifeisjustonebig]

That car analogy is merde. 😂😂😂

[@fonale1]

Love the background music who is it anybody knows

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

The great DJ Gramatik ;) Best to you

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Hi and thanks for this interesting comment!! Regarding the antagonistic approach you mention, I think it's a way for them to say that they can unite, which may sound a bit too much, but at the same time a positive note. But I totally agree with you that there are "deeper" ways of associating yourself with a noble cause. Can also be tricky, because again can feel that it's too much too, so needs to be done very cleverly. Best to you

[@philipbrailey]

But what is a hairspring

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

The alloy is kept secret because Bovet has kidnapped superman, they just keep him chained in the basement and pull some hairs when they need material.

[@artman102]

So, one answer leads to another question. How did they measure and consistently make nano thickness wire, hundreds of years ago?

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

And that's indeed quite crazy when you put things in perspective! Best to you

[@NorthernMan932]

4:10 is it a big desk or are the springs made by magical dwarfs?

[@tomasinacovell4293]

More like that, deeper, bebi!