Talk:Gyromax

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Balance_wheel refers to Gyromax Balance Wheel. Added this page to explain functioning. Pcstas 13:53, 14 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Self-compensating?

I'm curious why it's called "self-compensating".

Also, how does it differ (apart from esthetics) from a conventional balance with screws on the balance rim? Those serve the same purpose. Or rather, in both cases, they affect both poise and timing depending on which combinations of screws or collets are turned. Paul Koning 11:00, 13 June 2007 (UTC)

I guess "self-compensating" was meant to be "compensation" as in "compensation balance". I noticed (and changed) the same terminology in balance wheel. Paul Koning 15:37, 14 June 2007 (UTC)

Yes, this article didn't explain what advantages, if any, the Gyromax design had. The "self-compensating" must be a mistake, because Patek's site says the Gyromax is monometallic. It also says the Gyromax is 'free-sprung' and doesn't have a regulator, so the collets are used for ordinary rate adjustments as well as poising. Walt Odets' TimeZone article on balance wheels says it's main advantage is that, without projecting weight screws, a larger diameter balance can be used, with a higher moment of inertia. Also, the recessed collets are more aerodynamic, and less likely to snag on debris inside the case, than weight screws. That's what they claim, anyway. --Chetvorno 15:37, 5 August 2007 (UTC)

Rewrote article to address these issues. --Chetvorno 09:53, 14 August 2007 (UTC)