i was wondering if it is possible to retro fit old movments with a new silicon spring...would it be worth doing? do you vibrate them just like a metal spring?are they easier to form and manipualate? hard to deform? if so then it would be better then a metal spring..also they have a better time keeping abilty...
In a word, no. The modulus of elasticity for the silicon springs is matched to the balance wheel mass, and the attachment method would probably be incompatible. I imagine they would also be quite pricey.....
As far as manipulating them, not sure, but I have a friend who still works with them, maybe he knows. They are not metal, so maybe they are pooched once they get deformed.
Update: Ok, the word from the shop is that they do not bend, they break, and it is very easy to break one. Retrofitting one would be pretty much impossible.