TGMac

Why TGMac is different

Most software timegraphers take a single long sample and report one result. TGMac runs four analysis stages simultaneously, each processing progressively longer buffers (3 to 24 seconds). The shortest stage locks to the signal almost immediately; the longer stages refine the result as more data accumulates. You see a stable reading in seconds rather than waiting half a minute.

TGMac is based on the open-source vacaboja/tg project, extended with a native macOS interface, improved signal processing, and direct download distribution.

Features

• Real-time rate, beat error, and amplitude

  The same three measurements as a bench timegrapher: seconds per day gain or loss, escapement symmetry to ±0.1 ms, and balance wheel swing in degrees. All updated continuously as the signal improves.

• Multi-stage pipeline

  Four processing stages run in parallel with different buffer lengths. The shortest gives an early lock; the longest gives the highest precision. Readings stabilise progressively rather than all at once.

• Paper-tape display

  A scrolling paper-tape view shows the tick pattern over time, exactly as a mechanical timegrapher would. Visual irregularities in the pattern reveal beat error, rate drift, and mainspring issues at a glance.

• Tic and toc waveform panels

  Separate panels display the averaged waveform for each escapement event. Useful for diagnosing uneven impulse strength or a worn pallet.

• Oscilloscope view

  A live oscilloscope shows the raw audio from the microphone at a fixed scale, so individual tick impulses appear as clean spikes against a silent baseline.

• Calibration mode

  Place a known-rate reference watch on the sensor and run calibration to compensate for any systematic offset in the audio path.

• WAV recording and replay

  Record a session to WAV and replay it later for re-analysis. Useful for comparing a movement before and after a service, or sharing audio with another watchmaker.

• On-device only

  No account, no internet connection, no telemetry. Audio processing is entirely local. Nothing leaves your Mac.

What you need

• Microphone

  TGMac works with your Mac’s built-in microphone — just place the watch on the laptop casing near the mic grille. For the best results, a piezo contact microphone such as the TGBC sensor (≈£15) gives a stronger, cleaner signal.

• Mac

  macOS 13 Ventura or later. Apple Silicon and Intel both supported.

Privacy

TGMac does not transmit audio or measurement data. All processing is local. The app has no analytics, telemetry, or crash reporting. Microphone access is used only while a measurement session is running. For full details, email support@whiteforgetech.co.uk.

Support

For help, bug reports, or feature requests, email support@whiteforgetech.co.uk.