WatchTech

DonCorson
[AHCI]
3358

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symetrical vibration at balance wheel

But why is the Swiss lever desiged this way?....
2 reasons:
1) To allow the balance wheel to turn as much as possible without disturbance.
This is to improve the timing qualities.
If we don't use as much of the possible free arc as possible in both directions we will be reducing the free swing.
2) To allow impulse in both directions which means the watch will always be able to start again if a disturbance brings the balance wheel to a halt.
A chronometer escapement only has impulse in one direction which makes it more accurate, but also more succeptable to disturbances.
Which is why ships chronometers where always mounted in gimbals and otherwise well protected.
The chronometer escapement also has other problems for daily wear, which have only recently been overcome by such watchmakers as Urban Jurgensen.
Note that both the Daniels escapement and the chronometer escapement have a symetrical vibration of the balance wheel, just like the Swiss lever.
Don