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Incabloc

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(ing-kuh-BLOK)

Incabloc is a shock protection system used in mechanical watches to prevent damage to the delicate pivots and jewels of the balance wheel.

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What Does

Incabloc

Mean?

Incabloc is a shock protection system used in mechanical watches to prevent damage to the delicate pivots and jewels of the balance wheel, which is a critical component in timekeeping. Developed in the 1930s by the Swiss company Portescap, the Incabloc system is designed to absorb shocks and reduce the risk of breakage when a watch is subjected to sudden impacts or drops.

The system consists of a spring-mounted jewel setting that allows the balance wheel's pivot to move slightly in response to a shock, thereby dissipating the energy and minimizing the stress on the pivot. This movement is facilitated by a lyre-shaped spring that holds the jewel in place while allowing it to flex. The Incabloc system is easily recognizable by its distinctive lyre-shaped spring and is often visible through the transparent case back of a watch.

Widely adopted in the watchmaking industry, Incabloc has become synonymous with durability and reliability, ensuring that mechanical watches can withstand everyday wear and tear. Its effectiveness in protecting the balance wheel has made it a standard feature in many high-quality timepieces, contributing to the longevity and precision of mechanical watches.

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