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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Glossary · Regulation

Drop and lock

Escapement measurements describing free travel before locking and depth of lock on the pallet.

Explanation

In a lever escapement the escape tooth drops onto the locking face; drop is the free movement before lock, lock is the depth of engagement, and slide is the further motion of the lever after locking. These three, with run to banking, define whether the escapement will be safe and efficient.