After a few weeks of practice, our hairspring skills are being tested.

We'll have an entire class day to vibrate and shape a hairspring for the 6497. Interestingly, despite the 6497 hairspring being significantly larger and more robust, I actually find it more difficult to manipulate than the thinner Rolex hairspring.

Bending the 1575 hairspring only takes a gentle brush with the tweezers, while the 6497's thicker metal needs a more forceful squeeze, and it can be difficult to subtly modify its shape.

Success with any hairspring requires intense concentration and dexterity. Luckily, we've had plenty of time to polish our skills, so I'm hoping for the best!