Escape wheel meaning

The escape wheel is a crucial component of a mechanical clock that controls the release of energy from the mainspring.


Escape wheel definitions

Word backwards epacse leehw
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "escape wheel" is a noun.
Syllabic division es-cape wheel
Plural The plural of escape wheel is escape wheels.
Total letters 11
Vogais (2) e,a
Consonants (6) s,c,p,w,h,l

When it comes to the inner workings of a mechanical watch, the escape wheel plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate timekeeping. This small but significant component is part of the escapement mechanism, which regulates the movement of the watch's gears and hands.

Function of the Escape Wheel

The primary function of the escape wheel is to control the release of power from the mainspring in a consistent and controlled manner. As the mainspring unwinds, it transfers energy to the gear train, which ultimately drives the hands of the watch. The escape wheel works in conjunction with the anchor pallet to ensure that the gears move at the correct rate, thus enabling the watch to keep accurate time.

Design and Construction

The escape wheel is typically made of hardened steel or other durable materials to withstand constant use and friction. It features several precisely shaped teeth that interact with the anchor pallet, allowing the gear train to advance in small, precise increments. The design of the escape wheel is crucial to the overall function of the escapement mechanism and the accuracy of the watch.

Maintenance and Repair

Like all mechanical parts of a watch, the escape wheel requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Over time, the teeth of the escape wheel may wear down due to the friction generated during operation. In such cases, a watchmaker can inspect the component and replace it if necessary to restore the watch's accuracy.

In conclusion, the escape wheel is a fundamental component of a mechanical watch's escapement mechanism, responsible for regulating the release of power from the mainspring. Its precise design and construction play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the watch's timekeeping function.


Escape wheel Examples

  1. The escape wheel is a crucial component in the mechanism of a mechanical clock.
  2. The escape wheel teeth engage with the pallet fork to regulate the movement of a watch.
  3. A broken escape wheel can cause the timekeeping of a timepiece to become erratic.
  4. The size and shape of the escape wheel affect the accuracy of the clock.
  5. The escape wheel is responsible for transferring energy from the mainspring to the gear train.
  6. The quality of the escape wheel greatly impacts the performance of a mechanical watch.
  7. The escape wheel is designed to limit the rotation of the gear train in a clock.
  8. A properly lubricated escape wheel is essential for the smooth operation of a timepiece.
  9. The escapement, including the escape wheel, is often considered the heart of a mechanical watch.
  10. The escape wheel releases a fixed amount of energy with each swing, ensuring consistent timekeeping.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 25/04/2024 - 22:08:10