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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component record · Regulation

Suspension Block

Partially verified

The fixed block holding the upper end of a pendulum suspension spring.

What it does

Anchors the suspension so the pendulum swings in one plane.

How it works

Clamping the spring firmly and squarely keeps the swing planar; a twisted block introduces side swing and rate instability.

Evolution

Refined in precision regulators to eliminate lost motion.

Known variations

  • Simple block
  • Adjustable precision block

Identification for collectors

  • A pendulum swinging out of plane points to block or spring problems.

Common failure modes

  • Loose clamp
  • Distorted spring seat

Diagram

escape wheelpallets and leveroscillator
Schematic: escapement arrangement. An outline schematic drawn to show the arrangement of the parts discussed here. It is not a dimensioned working drawing and does not depict a particular maker's calibre.

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.