Glossary · Mechanism
Detent
A spring-mounted locking piece that releases the escape wheel once per balance vibration, as in a chronometer escapement.
Explanation
The detent is the slender spring-locked catch of the chronometer escapement that locks the escape wheel and is lifted by the balance's discharging pallet to release one tooth per vibration. The escapement gives impulse in only one direction, needs no oil on its locking surfaces and is extremely sensitive to shock — which is why it reigned at sea but not in pockets.
In the object catalogue
Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Detent”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.
Pocket watch
Albert H. Potter & Co., Geneva Gold Hunting Cased Keyless Pocket Chronometer No. 85
“This 18ct gold hunting-cased keyless pocket chronometer by Albert H. Potter & Co., Geneva, dates to circa 1885 and is numbered 85 on the train bridge. According to the auction c…”
Pocket watch
Dent 18K Gold Pocket Chronometer with Original Box
“This mid-nineteenth-century open-face pocket chronometer is signed by Dent, London, and numbered 29216. Housed in a solid 18K gold case bearing London hallmarks for 1863 and the…”
Pocket watch
Albert Pellaton-Favre Attributed 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Chronometer with One-Minute Tourbillon Regulator
“This 18K yellow gold hunting-case pocket chronometer measures 56.3 mm in diameter and is attributed by the source to Le Locle tourbillon maker Albert Pellaton-Favre. The watch f…”
Clock
Edward John Dent Gilt-Brass Chronometer Carriage Timepiece, No. 693
“This mid-19th-century English carriage timepiece by Edward John Dent is housed in a gilt-brass moulded case featuring bevel-glazed panels, a sunk top, and a hinged carrying hand…”
Marine chronometer
Victor Kullberg Spring Detent Deck Chronometer
“Victor Kullberg Spring Detent Deck Chronometer”
Marine chronometer
Thomas Mercer Two-Day Marine Chronometer, No. 17989
“This two-day marine chronometer by Thomas Mercer Ltd of St Albans is housed in a fitted wooden transport box with brass gimbals. The silvered dial features black Roman hour nume…”