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The Jewel Setting and Moving Tool ("Horia"): An Essential Watchmaking Instrument
Providing high-quality maintenance and repair services for various watch mechanisms—whether mechanical or electronic—requires not only deep knowledge of watchmaking but also the use of specialized tools.
One of the most essential tools that every professional watchmaker should have on their workbench is the “Horia” jewel setting and moving tool.
The Role of "Jewels" in Watch Mechanisms
A wristwatch movement, whether mechanical or electronic, includes small components called "jewels". These jewels—either synthetic or natural gemstones—are placed in specially designed holes where the pivot shafts of the gears rotate.
The primary purpose of these jewels is to minimize wear and tear on the pivots due to friction and heat generated during rotation. To further reduce wear, special watchmaking lubricants are used to ensure smooth and friction-free movement of the pivots within the jewel holes.
Although highly durable, watch jewels are not indestructible. They can break or crack (usually due to impact on the movement), requiring replacement—a delicate procedure performed using the Horia tool.
What is the Horia Tool?
The Horia tool, named after the manufacturer that produces it, is a precision instrument featuring a plunger mechanism operated by a micrometric screw, capable of measuring distances to within a hundredth of a millimeter.
With this tool, a watchmaker can:
- Replace damaged jewels with precision.
- Adjust the height of the jewels, ensuring proper clearance according to the manufacturer's specifications.
These height adjustments are crucial, as no watch gear can function correctly without the necessary clearance between the bridges that hold the wheels in place.
Precision and Professional Use
The Horia tool allows watchmakers to work with absolute accuracy, measuring distances that cannot be assessed with the naked eye or even with magnifying lenses.
It comes with specialized accessories, including:
- Pushers (for pressing jewels into place).
- Bases (for supporting different jewel diameters).
Each component is available in various sizes to match the exact dimensions of the jewel being adjusted.
For a professional watch technician, precision is non-negotiable. The goal is to minimize timekeeping deviations across different positions and conditions, ensuring that the movement operates at peak performance.
The Horia tool is not just useful - it’s indispensable for achieving the highest levels of accuracy in watch repair and maintenance.
