Comments on: Confessions of an Escape Wheel Killer

By: J.Peter

J.Peter — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 01:59:52 +0000

I totally agree!

By: Tick Talk » One Hazard of Epilame

Tick Talk » One Hazard of Epilame — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 21:46:18 +0000

[...] Discussion on the ‘Confessions of an Escape Wheel Killer’ [...]

By: J.Edwards

J.Edwards — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:22:00 +0000

All recoil escapements tend to need at least a little bit of lubrication where the escape wheel teeth and energy transfer device (usually pallets) interact. Dead beat escapements do not. In clocks, ideally you want the steel of the pallets to be highly polished and uniform. A clock can and will run without oil at the pallets, but I always apply a light film of lubrication at the pallets on recoil escapements to ensure longevity of both good timekeeping and the escapement parts. No lube on pinions or other teeth.

By: J.Peter

J.Peter — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 21:27:55 +0000

I don’t know anything at all about clocks but in a watch we oil the impulse plane of the pallet or the escape wheel teeth. I agree that the teeth of the wheels should not be oiled, only the axles in their bearings.

By: paul

paul — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:03:14 +0000

My comments on oiling a clock movement are followed by a question. I have spoken with clock repairmen that have told me that over oiling has its consequences. It has been suggested to me that it is wiser to oil the axles of each wheel in their setting of both cover plates and not the sprockets of the wheels that mesh. This can create a drag on the clock movement from the oil its self and accumulating dust over time. How ever, my question is, should I oil between the teeth of the escape wheel where the pallets of the verge interact?

By: J.Edwards

J.Edwards — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 02:58:30 +0000

I like the feeling of gratitude. The sight of a squashed part - not so much. I'll pass your lead along to any watchmakers I know who may be interested, Prem. You might like to recommend that they post on the AWCI's Job Board if they haven't done so already. And that's a great point, Dave, changing the Fixodrop regularly is another key point in applying it effectively.

By: Tick Talk » A Woodchip more Wisdom from the Experienced

Tick Talk » A Woodchip more Wisdom from the Experienced — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 02:49:28 +0000

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By: Dave M

Dave M — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 04:45:21 +0000

That flask and those mesh plastic containers have saved me much time when applying epilame to the Rolex auto-reverse wheels, escape wheel and pallet fork.

One always has to make sure, though, that the fixodrop inside the flask is changed regularly! If not, the whole process can result in spotty or specked parts. I’ve also found that fair heat from a hairdryer held at about one foot away from the containers for around 2 minutes yields good results.

I will comment on flying parts, too. Today I was oiling the top balance wheel jewel only to hear that fear-invoking “click” mentioned by Mike. After almost loosing my composure, I quickly went to the ground to locate the jewel on my right side (it hit the right side of my chin and fell to the ground). The jewel ended up 2 or 3 inches under the plastic mat that my chair rolls on. How in the world did that happen?

Glad to hear that you had a spare escape wheel, J.Edwards!

By: Prem C.

Prem C. — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 04:44:06 +0000

Losing parts and finding them later, phew, it is part of a watchmaker’s life. I do not think that anyone is immune to such a feeling of despair, or of gratitude as when we have lost something- or found some part on the floor, after a long search. Hallelujah!
btw, forgot to mention The Swatch group in Toronto, Ontario are looking for a watchmaker. Any interested parties may enquire for an appointment straightaway! Cheers,
Prem C.

By: J.Edwards

J.Edwards — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:09:40 +0000

I call that the ricochet effect