A Dead SecondsDead Seconds A Dead Seconds complication uses a specialised escapement mechanism to achieve the ticking motion of the seconds hand, with the typical one beat per second (like on a quartz watch). This is unlike a traditional mechanical watch, where the escapement mechanism allows gears to rotate continuously and the seconds hand ticks multiple times per second. complication uses a specialised 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] mechanism to achieve the ticking motion of the seconds hand, with the typical one beat per second (like on a quartz watch). This is unlike a traditional mechanical watch, where the escapement mechanism allows gears to rotate continuously and the seconds hand ticks multiple times per second.