Had watch arrive with a severely damaged hairspring, I explained that there was little chance of fixing this spring and no doubt would break in doing so, I asked if just for my own practice and see if I can I still do it? make an attempt at repair.

2

It took me a good half hour to extract the balance complete without causing more damage, what a mess.

When I had a little spare time and the inclination I worked on it a little more until I managed to get it down to looking like a hairspring once again, still lots of work to do.

Did I mention it was small? This was the last photo I corrected it a little more after this, tested it in the watch to see how it moved only find even more problems so had to abandon the project at this point will look for a parts watch but good exercise in hairspring work.
Tools needed
Two pairs of fine tweezers, practice and patience

If I said, "Amazing"

It would be an understatement !!

Wonderful work Chris !!

regards,
bb

Chris, no wonder with work like this you have been dubbed, World famous Horologist and Master Watchmaker.
I will be sending all of my watches with broken twisted mainsprings your way.
All discounted of course.

Great work Chris!!

A more interesting question... how does a hair spring get into that state while still inside the movement???

That is an amazing transformation!

I guess I am curious to know what further problems remain (sounded like more than one).
I imagine that if it was something obvious, like corrosion to remove, you wouldn't have made the effort to begin with.

kh

Yikes!!! You're almost there!

William

Got very close, I went on to take some of the "out of rounds" out later. When I test fitted it I noticed a tiny crack in one of the pallet fork horns, which had allowed the balance to "overbank", hairspring expanded caught under the split in balance and twisted and tangled it all up, as you can see. I figured the only way ahead is a replacement movement for parts and with it may well come a good balance complete so seemed a good place to stop, I am far to busy to lose more time but a good worthwhile exercise and much needed practice.

WOW , amazing truly talented

A true master, one who has my complete admiration and total respect. Tried a few my self but find that only 30 percent work, and not that well. Now I have a Rolex spring do you want a go at this.

So you think he needs more practice, eh Walter?