Swiss Escapement
The Swiss escapement is a crucial component in mechanical watches and clocks, responsible for regulating the movement of the gear train. It allows the gear train to advance in controlled increments, ensuring accurate timekeeping. This mechanism consists of a pallet fork, escape wheel, and a balance wheel, working together to create a consistent release of energy.
Developed in the 18th century, the Swiss escapement significantly improved the precision of timepieces. Its design minimizes friction and enhances reliability, making it a standard in high-quality watchmaking. This innovation has contributed to the reputation of Swiss watchmakers for producing some of the most accurate and durable timepieces in the world.