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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Glossary · Mechanism

Co-axial escapement

A three-level escapement using radial impulse to reduce sliding friction compared with the lever escapement.

Explanation

The co-axial escapement, invented by George Daniels and industrialised by Omega from 1999, impulses the balance radially through a two-tier co-axial escape wheel and its pinion, largely replacing the sliding friction of the Swiss lever with rolling contact. The aim is longer service intervals and stable rate over time. It is often described as the first new escapement in over two centuries to reach mass production in over two centuries.

In the object catalogue

Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Co-axial escapement”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.