Have you ever wondered why a mechanical watch always makes a “ticking” sound? These sounds come from the escapement, which plays a vital role in the precise timekeeping of the movement. The escapement is a masterpiece of watchmaking craftsmanship resulting from microtechnology, with the components running within a few microns. Its complex and rigorous production process results from the brand’s rich knowledge and superb technology.
When the escape wheel teeth engage the escapement fork, a “tick” sound is heard. Then, as the balance wheel swings, the escapement fork “disengages” the escape wheel from its original position. The escape wheel will continue to rotate and engage the second escapement fork with a “click.” The “tick” and “click” sounds unique to a typical mechanical watch sound every eighth of a second. The alternating movement of the balance wheel synchronizes the escapement fork. It continues to swing continuously while the tilted escape wheel teeth vibrate precisely 28,800 times per hour, of which the “tick” and “click” sound each account for 14,400 times. The oscillations of a Rolex Perpetual movement enable precise and reliable timekeeping. Best rolex replica.
Interaction with the balance
The escapement, with its alternating rhythm and interaction with the balance, is the movement’s “key to time.” The escapement receives the raw energy from the spring and gradually transmits it to the balance to maintain the regularity of its oscillations. This regularity determines the time; the escapement transmits it to the hands through interlocking wheels. Without the escapement, the spring would unwind instantly, releasing all its energy. Furthermore, without the escapement to maintain the oscillations of the balance, the hairspring and the balance would quickly lose power, and the movement would only last a few minutes before stopping.
The escapement symbolizes watchmaking craftsmanship and the result of centuries of research. Like balance, escapement is one of the elements that influence a watch’s precision, reliability, and autonomy, and it is a complex and precise component to manufacture. The tolerances in production and operation are limited to a few microns. Some parts, such as the impulse pins, fork studs, and pallet forks on the balance-staff disc, are among the most minor components of a watch. The craftsmanship and state-of-the-art micro technology required to create an escapement is a real challenge in watchmaking. Swiss replica watches store.
The secret of Rolex quality
Rolex develops its own tools and machines in Biel and manufactures, tests, and assembles escapements. It is challenging to create the most precise components and ensure they work perfectly. Usually, escapements require fine-tuning or “finishing” to ensure optimal performance, but the quality of Biel’s products dramatically reduces the need for fine-tuning.
It’s incredible how many factors affect how an escapement works. A typical example is the precise interaction between the pallet fork and the escapement wheel teeth, which is limited to micrometers. A 0.01 mm longer or shorter will cause the mechanism to stop working. The success of the watchmaking factory is not accidental. It results from cutting-edge watchmaking knowledge, superb technology, and strict error detection, which enables the mass production of exact parts. This is one of the secrets of the excellent quality of Rolex movements. For example, we check the escapement wheel teeth of each movement and measure them at two points to ensure that the error does not exceed a few microns, which meets stringent requirements.
Escapement wheel, escapement fork, bridge, and balance staff disc
The escapement device consists of four parts, including the escapement wheel, the escapement fork, the escapement fork bridge (used to fix the position of the escapement fork and limit its movement with the positioning column), and the balance staff disc fixed to the balance staff and its ruby impulse pin. The escapement wheel, escapement fork, and balance staff disc work together and are subject to significant mechanical stresses: the escapement wheel and escapement fork lock each other 700,000 times a day, or more than 250 million times a year. Watchmakers use synthetic ruby parts (pallet fork jewels, impulse pins on rollers, and bearings) to reduce friction with metal. All contact surfaces must be smooth and polished, especially those for the escapement wheel teeth. Furthermore, since one of the escapement’s main challenges is preventing energy loss, reducing friction is essential. Usually, only about 40% of the mainspring energy is generally transmitted to the balance wheel.
New and unique lubricant
Lubricants also play a crucial role in helping the various components of the escapement to achieve optimal performance. Each escapement wheel tooth and escapement wheel pivot must be thoroughly lubricated. The lubricant can still lubricate the components for many years, even if it is subjected to temperature changes. Therefore, Rolex has developed a new and unique lubricant that is more durable and stable. In addition to extending the time between servicing of the watch, it also improves the reliability and operation of the watch in the long run.
Movement: Automatic
Series: Day-Date
Band Width: 20mm
Band Color: Silver-tone
Gender: Men’s
Band Length: 18cm
Engine: Rolex Calibre 2836/2813
Model: 218239
Brand: Rolex