Handreglage

Handreglage (hand regulation) is a term used in German-speaking technical contexts to describe the manual adjustment or fine-tuning of a device to achieve a specific operating state. It signifies that an operator directly manipulates components by hand to set parameters such as alignment, tension, position, or timing, rather than relying on automatic regulation driven by feedback signals.

Typical domains include horology, where watchmakers and clockmakers adjust regulating screws, balance spring tension, and escapement settings; optical and imaging devices, where manual focus, alignment, or stage positioning are set before use; and vintage or precision machinery, where initial calibration or periodic retuning is performed by technicians. In such contexts handreglage is often part of setup, maintenance, or repair procedures.

The process generally involves a careful inspection, selecting reference standards, and using appropriate hand tools to make small, incremental adjustments. After each adjustment, performance is tested against the specification, measurements are recorded, and the procedure is repeated until tolerance limits are met. Documentation of the settings and any changes is typically required to preserve traceability for future maintenance.

Because handreglage depends on operator skill and environmental conditions, results can vary and repeatability may be limited compared with automatic regulation. It remains relevant for devices with subtle, context-dependent behavior or where automatic regulation is not feasible or practical.