Balance has a channel?

[rph952]

Does anyone know what this channel is on the balance wheel (upper left)? I'm pretty certain it's an indent. The balance is off a working watch, so I guess it's a feature rather than a flaw. Thanks.

[Kalanag]

There was material removed for poising. That‘s pretty normal!

Edited June 3, 2022 by Kalanag

[clockboy]

As already stated it’s to aid poising. Lines or just small holes can be found for this reason. Poise is important to achieve consistency in performance see pics of various other methods used to achieve this.