Balance Cock is a component of a mechanical watch movement which secures the balance wheel and balance staff. The balance cock is a metal plate or bridge, shaped like an arch, with a hole in the center that holds the lower pivot of the balance staff. The balance cock is attached to the main plate of the watch movement and is responsible for protecting the balance wheel and balance staff from damage due to shock or other outside forces. It is an important component in the accuracy of a watch, as it holds the balance wheel in the proper position and helps control the oscillation of the balance wheel.
