Variocouple

The reference for torque measurement in horology The Variocouple apparatus for torque and force measurement manufactured by CSM is a very precise instrument mainly used in development laboratories of watchmakers. This instrument allows quantifying and analyzing small torques and forces generated in low stress systems.

The measurement principle is as following:

A watch movement, part of it or rotational mobile is fixed on the central axis of the Variocouple. The instrument is then driven in rotation, through the help of the VarioX software, and the test mobile is held by a torque or force sensor (with intermediary level arm). The analysis of the sensor signal during the rotary motion with this software allows to caracterize the frictional torque versus the rotational angle of the mobile.

Due to the large amount of such instrument sold during the past 40 years, each Variocouple can be upgraded. This consist on the replacement of the motor and coupling, and the add of an angular sensor, PC and control unit. The VarioX software can then control the system.

See our Variocouple catalog

Variocouple applications:

• Energy accumulator

Overload and sliding
Barrel spring torque
Number of turns and yield
Wear

• Counter and transmission

Torque within gear systems
Yield
Frequency analysis
Determination of residual torques
Torque needed for various functions

• Dispatching and regulation

Development of new escapments
Development of balance-spring
Calculation of spring stiffness

• Display

Cannon-pinion, friction
Torque taken by the date system
Torque to drive the disc

• Manual and automatic winding

Movement winding by the crown
Sliding brace quality
Measurement of friction in bearing structures
Winding torque for the mass
Static torque of the mass