Payments support: Credit card, Debit card and PayPal.

What's swan neck regulator?

by LanAlan

A swan neck regulator is a fine adjustment mechanism found in some high-end mechanical watch movements, used to regulate the rate of the watch with great precision. The name comes from its curved, graceful shape, resembling the neck of a swan.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the swan neck regulator:

1. Purpose:

The swan neck regulator allows watchmakers to finely adjust the balance wheel's rate, which affects the overall accuracy of the watch. It is specifically used to make tiny corrections to the position of the regulator arm, which controls the tension of the hairspring (the coiled spring that controls the oscillation of the balance wheel).

2. How It Works:

  • The swan neck mechanism includes a spring-like, swan-shaped metal component.
  • It presses gently against the regulator arm, which moves along a fine adjustment screw.
  • Turning this screw adjusts the length of the hairspring, thereby controlling the speed of the balance wheel’s oscillation.
  • This fine tuning helps regulate the watch's timekeeping to a higher degree of accuracy.

3. Appearance:

  • The regulator is often shaped in a curved manner, resembling a swan's neck, hence the name.
  • It is located near the balance wheel and hairspring in the watch movement.

4. Advantages:

  • Precision: The swan neck regulator allows for very fine, controlled adjustments compared to simpler regulators.
  • Aesthetics: It’s also an aesthetically pleasing component, adding to the visual appeal of high-end movements, often showcased in watches with transparent case backs.

5. Use in Luxury Watches:

  • This type of regulator is typically found in luxury or premium timepieces, as it requires a higher level of craftsmanship.
  • It is considered a mark of quality and precision in watchmaking.

In summary, the swan neck regulator is a precision tool used in watchmaking for making extremely fine adjustments to the timekeeping mechanism, ensuring greater accuracy and showcasing advanced watchmaking craftsmanship.

You can refer to Seagull 1963｜40mm｜Sapphire Glass｜Pilot Chronograph Watch With or without Swan Neck regulator 2 versions：

Back to Watch FAQ