In a lot of South Bend ads, they state that their watches are "tested on half-time without hairspring".I take that to mean they test run the watch wound halfway with the hairspring removed.Is that what they meant? I can't imagine what that would prove.It would'nt do the pallet& escape wheel any good, I wouldn't think.I've never heard of any other company advertising doing that.Please pardon my ignorance, but I've been wondering about this for some time! Thanks again, Ted Brown.

I believe what is being referred to is the watch running at half it's speed, not half wound. A watch able to run properly at half-time without a hairspring is indicative of everything being "just right". It would mean the train has minimal friction, is in perfect beat and that power is getting to the balance with sufficient impulse to run the watch.

Thank you, Roger!

Hello Theodore & Roger,

Dave just started a new string with this attached, you may find it interesting.... See it Run without a Hairspring

Regards,
Jerry