Of Broken Mainsprings

When working on an old watch it's not unusual to find a broken mainspring. Usually, they break in one, or maybe two places. This can happen simply because of age, and with the stress of being coiled and uncoiled many times.

Sometime though you find something more like the spring shown here in this 18 size, key-wind Elgin. The top of the barrel was loose and came right off with the bridge.

Yep, I think it'll need a new spring!