While doing some reading on the CoaxialCo-Axial Escapement The co-axial escapement is a type of escapement mechanism invented by George Daniels, a British watchmaker, in the 1970s, and is characterized by the use of a co-axial wheel, which is a three-level wheel that replaces the traditional pallets used in other escapements. It uses a unique design that allows the gears to run with less friction, which means that it requires less maintenance and will have a longer lifespan than traditional escapements. Additionally, it is said to be more precise than traditional escapements, this is mainly because of the decreased friction which allows the balance wheel to oscillate more consistently. [Learn More] escapementEscapement The escapement is a mechanism in a mechanical watch movement that regulates the release of energy from the mainspring and keeps the watch ticking at a steady rate. The escapement is made up of two main components: the escape wheel and the pallet fork. The escapement is responsible for the ticking sound of the watch, and it ensures that the watch runs at a consistent rate. As the escape wheel rotates forward, it locks and unlocks with the pallet fork, allowing a small amount of energy from the mainspring to be released. This causes the balance wheel to oscillate and the watch to 'tick'. [Learn More], I stumbled upon this full lecture by George Daniels himself, the inventor of this very escapement. The coaxial escapement is considered ‘one of the most significant advancements since the invention of the Swiss lever escapement’ and it is the only escapement produced at industrial scale, other than the lever escapement. While omnipresent today, it was only commercialized in 1999 by Omega SA, nearly 25 years (!) after its initial invention by Daniels himself.
Uploaded by the fantastic folks at The American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute. A real blast from the past (1990) and incredibly interesting for those who are interested: