THE ESCAPEMENT:
The Pallet Lever Safety Pin

The safety pin (illustrated in yellow) allows unlocking of the escape wheel only when the balance wheel is centered (and the impulse jewel is inside the pallet fork). When a physical shock to the watch unlocks a pallet from the escape wheel accidentally, the safety pin hits the safety roller (large illustration, red arrow) and prevents movement of the pallet lever. When the pallet is supposed to unlock--with the impulse jewel within the lever fork--the crescent in the safety roller clears the safety pin and allows movement of the lever (small illustration, red arrow).

 BACK TO THE GLOSSARY INDEX

Copyright © 2001-2004 A Bid Of Time, Inc., All Rights ReservedInfo@TimeZone.com
Contact TimeZone Sales Staff for Advertising Opportunities: Advertise@TimeZone.com

   Web Design by: Sleepless Sites