Abstract: In this patent we teach a method for manufacturing hairsprings for mechanical watches using nanofabrication and several resultant geometries. This method produces hairsprings, and other watch components, that are more durable, more precise, more isochronous, possess a different appearance, and are easier to install into a watch. For example, we discuss novel geometries of hairspring coils with non-rectangular cross-sections, hairsprings with attached or integrated collets, detachable collets, notched collets, tabs, and small identifying features. Furthermore, we teach how the cross-section of a hairspring may be modified in order to alter the spring's geometric moment thereby improving isochronism.

Abstract: This invention teaches a new class of materials that can be used to manufacture hairsprings and/or other components of mechanical watches, and methods for manufacturing these components. The new class of materials is crystalline compounds, including, but not limited to, gallium arsenide, extrinsically doped gallium arsenide, extrinsically doped silicon, gallium nitride, extrinsically doped gallium nitride, gallium phosphide, extrinsically doped gallium phosphide, and quartz. This invention also teaches laminated/coated crystalline compounds. The lamination/coating may be applied by one of the following methods, including but not limited to: plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, sputtering, electron beam evaporation, and thermal evaporation. Using crystalline compounds, in particular extrinsically doping the crystalline compounds, affords the possibility to controllably alter the mechanical, electrical, thermal, magnetic, and/or other properties of the watch components.