Glossary/Co-Axial Escapement

Co-Axial Escapement

Invented and patented by George Daniels, the co-axial escapement is complicated but, through a combination of interlocks, avoids the sliding friction of the anchor escapement. It is a very important innovation in mechanical watchmaking in the sense that it solves the long-standing friction problem, although the accuracy and reliability gained still do not come close to electronic movements. Because mechanical watches no longer sell because of their accuracy or reliability as timepieces, the main watchmakers had little interest in investing in the tooling required, although finally Omega decided to implement this technology. While low-friction escapements existed already, they were too large for small movements.

Elsewhere on the Web

• Daniels Co-Axial Double-Wheel Escapement from The Chinese University of Hong Kong's Institute for Precision Engineering