Watch Escapements Diagrams & Pictures

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The escapement of a watch is that mechanism which operates in a very precise manner in order to release increments of time through the gear train of a watch.

The diagram below shows the typical gear train of a watch.  The escapement of a watch begins with the escape wheel.  Next you will have the pallet.  The pallet makes contact with the balance wheel as shown in the diagram.  The balance wheel swings back and forth and with each swing locks and unlocks the pallet as it engages the escape wheel.  This arc-of-motion can range from 18,000 beats per hour to as much as 28,000 beats per hour on some wrist watches.

Here are two animated examples of how the escapement of a watch operates.  The first animation shows how the escape wheel and the pallet work in conjunction with each other.  The second animation shows how the entire escapement operates.  This becomes very interesting when you can also view the diagram of the gear train above and relate the animations with the diagram.

This is a picture of a Hamilton Inline escapement model.

This is a larger version of the Hamilton escapement model.  Notice the hand in the picture.  This will give you an idea as to the size of these rare items.

The diagram above shows a typical watch escapement and gear train.

The diagram above shows the typical setting gears that are located under the dial of a typical wrist watch.

This is a typical form of escapement that was used in early chronometers.  This is called a detent escapement.

The Straight Line escapement from the Fredonia Watch Company.  Many companies used the term "Equi-Distant" escapement when describing the type of escapement used in their watches.  This is interesting as all escapements commonly found in pocket watches used and equidistant escapement.  The escape wheel is round and has 15 teeth.  The pallet has two impulse jewels which by obvious terms divides the escape wheel into a circular operation, thus becoming an equidistant escapement.

The Waltham Friction Fit Balance Staff.

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One of the most innovative inventions of the pocket watch industry was the design of the friction fit balance staff.  These staffs were used not only by Waltham, but other companies such as Hamilton and Howard also used them.  The friction fit staff made it possible to install a new staff without the need to cut out the old staff using the watchmakers lathe.  The only tools required was the staking set.  Click on the following picture to see details of the Waltham friction fit balance staff.

Friction fit balance staffs almost eliminated damage to the delicate balance wheel that could be caused by cutting the old staff out using the lathe or damage cause by distorting to balance arms when staking in a new rivet style balance staff.  Many watchmakers that worked in the days leading up to the friction fit balance staff hailed it as one of the greatest inventions of the watchmaking industry.

WATCH SIZES By Antique Time Vintage Watch Repair.

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The Lancashire gauge for determining watch sizes is of English origin and is the standard commonly used by American watch manufacturers.  By this system 1 5/30 inches was taken as a basing figure and was called naught (0) size.  Every 1/30 of an inch added increased the size one number, every subtraction of 1/30 of an inch decreased the size one number. The size of a watch is determined by its width through the center at the narrowest part of the dial side of the lower plate.  The table below shows Lancashire gauge watch sizes in terms of fractions of inches, decimal inches, lignes and millimeters.

Comparative values of standards of measurement.  1 inch equals 25.4 millimeters, 1 millimeter equals .03937 inches, and 1 ligne equals 2.25 millimeters.

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Pockets watches have always been treasured by their owners.  It may have been your grandfather's Ball railroad watch, or maybe it is one you found yourself in an antique store.  No matter what the history is, rest assured that we have the PARTS, EQUIPMENT & EXPERIENCE to bring it back to life.

We have one of the largest inventories of POCKET WATCH parts & material supplies available.  This is important to our customers because we usually do not have to rely on material supply houses for our everyday material needs.  This means you get prompt professional watch repairs delivered without delays.

Our Pocket Watch service and repair prices are very affordable.  Railroad grade pocket watches can be fully serviced for as little as $82.50.  Lower grade pocket watches such as seven jewel models can be serviced for as little as $62.50.

We do not cut corners when we service your pocket watch.  They are taken completely apart and all parts are inspected and examined for any defects.  The parts are then cleaned using the latest in automatic watch cleaning machines.  These machines were designed specifically for cleaning watch movements.  Your parts are cleaned in three different solutions.  Our cleaning machines also have ultrasonic attachments which enhance the watch cleaning process.

After the cleaning process your watch is put back together and all parts are properly oiled and lubricated with the latest synthetic lubricants and oils.  These synthetic lubricants last many years giving your watch the highest quality protection against wear.

Your pocket watch is then electronically timed and calibrated using quartz controlled timing machines to insure its proper timekeeping abilities.  Your watch is timed according to your watches original manufacturers specifications.

Your pocket watch case is then polished if desired.  The case is then cleaned using ultrasonic cleaners.  The movement is then installed into the case at which time we make the final inspection of your watch. 

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK BELOW AT SOME OF THE MATERIAL
WE STOCK TO MEET YOUR REPAIR NEEDS

For The Finest In Professional Pocket Watch Repair Visit Antique Time

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We specialize in the precision repair and service of Rolex Watches.   Antique Time is also your source for Professional Service of American Railroad Grade Pocket Watches.   We maintain a large inventory of Genuine Factory Parts.  In addition to servicing your watch movement, we also have the ability to rebuild watch cases and watch bands.  We repair and size all Solid Gold Watch Bands.

Rolex Case and Band Repair Is Our Specialty

WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES

The Rolex watch is a beautiful machine comprised of hundreds of precision parts all working in unison to precisely measure the escapement of time.  Power delivered through the gear train by the mainspring is transmitted to the fast beating balance wheel, that due to its rapid arc of motion, is largely unaffected by external forces exerted upon it by the person wearing this fine tuned machine.©  Text from an article by Stan Hoffman. All rights reserved.

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Be Sure To Visit Antique Time For Professional Rolex Service and Repair.