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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component record · Escapement

Escape Pinion

Partially verified

The pinion driving the escape wheel.

What it does

Receives drive from the fourth wheel and turns the escape wheel.

How it works

Because it turns fastest in the train, its leaves and pivots are the most sensitive to lubrication and wear.

Evolution

Leaf counts and profiles were refined for efficiency at high speed.

Known variations

  • Six-leaf
  • Seven-leaf and higher counts

Identification for collectors

  • Identified on the escape wheel arbor; requires disassembly to inspect.

Common failure modes

  • Worn leaves
  • Pivot wear reducing amplitude

Related photographs

PSM V46 D075 Watch escape wheel swiss lever and balance
PSM V46 D075 Watch escape wheel swiss lever and balance — Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain. Wikimedia Commons file page

No confidently matched photograph of this subject has been found yet. These photographs show a closely related record, and are not examples of the type described on this page.

Sources & references

  1. de Carle, D., Practical Watch Repairing
  2. de Carle, D., Watch and Clock Encyclopedia
  3. Daniels, G., Watchmaking

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.