The Probert Encyclopaedia of Science & Technology

ESCAPEMENT

In horology, an escapement is a device intervening between, and acted upon by both, the power and the time-measurer in a clock or watch, to convert a continuous rotary into an oscillating isochronous movement. The power through the escapement imparts to the pendulum or balance-wheel an impulse sufficient to overcome the friction of the latter and the resistance of the atmosphere, and thus keeps up the vibrations. the time-measurer (pendulum or balance-wheel) acts through the escapement to cause the motion of the train to be intermittent. Clocks and watches are generally named according to the form of their escapement: Chronometer, crown-wheel, Cylinder, Dead-beat, detached, Duplex, Horizontal and Lever escapement, &c.
Research Escapement