Ornatus-Mundi[Zenith]
7136
4 escapements, 5 differentials, and 16Hz total frequency!
Jan 19, 2013,11:12 AM
The equalising properties of the four escapements need dedicated mechanisms to come into effect. In this case, differentials!
Roger Dubuis had already made headlines in 2005 by introducing a double flying tourbillon with a differential. This extraordinary technical expertise laid the foundations of the seven-year research programme required to produce the Excalibur Quatuor watch. It is a watchmaking masterpiece that not only integrates four sprung balances and an original power-reserve display, but includes no fewer than five differentials.
Take a closer look at the gears
between the balances:
The equalise the relative 'speed' of the two adjacent escapements. This means we have
two differentials already. A
third one can be seen on the back which serves the equalisation of the two escapement pairs:
It is important to note that the escapements work independently. This means that while each balance vibrates four times per second (4 Hz=28.800 bph), the
frequency of the watch is multiplied by four as the balances do not oscillate simultaneously, resulting in an
effective frequency of 16 Hz or 115.200 bph!
Note to myself: I have to check back on this. This is news to me and I really would love to understand more about the equalisation as well as the addition of individual frequencies!
The fourth differential is associated with the power reserve mechanism. This one is extremely precise. While a double display showing the crescent of the moon turns at the same speed as the barrels - 4.25 revolutions per day - the needle also turns, but more slowly. As the power reserve reduces, the hand follows the barrels’ rate of discharge, positioning itself precisely on the two moon crescents to indicate the power still in reserve.
The
fifth and last one connects the rewinding stem and the two parallel barrels.
Thus, in summary we have:
4 escapements
5 differentials
- 2 for two escapement pairs
- 1 to coordinate the two escapement pairs
- 1 in the power reserve
- 1 in the winding system
Effective frequency of 16 Hz. Violà:
Now 16 Hz - there must be something sensual with it - and it is!
This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2013-01-19 23:58:21