Rolex Royal 1200 hairspring

[andrew.cookson]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum and seeking advice - I've been given a Rolex Royal (1200 movement with sub seconds) which came as a box of bits - I guess a previous (unsuccessful) restoration. I've put it together and it seems to be complete with the exception of the hairspring with it is oversized for the balance staff. Can any one advise on where I can either get a suitable hairspring? Ideally I'd get a balance complete however a look on the internet suggests I'm looking at £200 or more. I'm happy to invest in the watch as I've always wanted a rolex but with a young family I'm finding it hard to justify that cost!

Appreciate any advice you may have.

Andy

[Ironstark]

When you say it is oversized for the balance staff, what do you mean?
Is the hairspring collet loose on the balance staff?
If so with the appropriate collet tightening tool it is possible to close up the collet so it will be a tight fit on the staff. It is possible it may be the wrong balance staff. It could be a pattern staff or from another watch completely.
It is not possible to replace just the hairspring as the balance and hairspring are married/adjusted/vibrated to suit each other and cannot be swapped.
Are you a watchmaker or an enthusiastic amateur?

[andrew.cookson]

Hi, thanks for the reply.

Firstly, I'm an enthusiastic amateur so I may be out of my depth a little...

The collet is loose on the staff and despite tightening/closing the collet it is still loose. I've had the balance on the watch without the hairspring and it seems to be the correct size and spins freely with (very little) play so I assumed it to be correct and that the hairspring may possibly be from another watch.

It sounds like the safest option may be a new balance?

Thanks

Andy