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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Glossary · Mechanism

Constant-force mechanism

A device delivering the escapement a steady torque regardless of the mainspring's state of wind.

Explanation

A constant-force mechanism interposes a small spring, rewound at short intervals, between the train and the escapement so impulse stays even as the mainspring runs down. The remontoire d'égalité of marine chronometers is the classic form; modern wristwatch versions (for example the 7750-era revivals and independent makers' designs) pursue the same end of unvarying amplitude.

In the object catalogue

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