Elliott Clock Platform Escapement

[Alun]

Hi all

My first question on this forum

I have just serviced a nice Elliot French clock which belongs to a neighbour.

It was really gummed up and is now cleaned, oiled, greased and going well.

However....it's platform escapement is puzzling me. It's not like any I've seen before as it has a coiled spring on the escape wheel with what I can only describe as a cam set up....see photo.

If I stop the balance the escape wheel 'locks' and the usual shake doesn't get it started...so any help explaining this escapement and the purpose of the coil / cam will be gratefully received.

Many thanks 

Alun

[oldhippy]

 Elliot clocks are English I have many ranging from time pieces to Chiming all with platform escapements they are very well made clocks from the movement to the cases. The coiled spring on the escape wheel should act as a silent tick, that is if it is working correctly. You need to make sure the balance is in beat, if you stop the balance and you have power on the spring the balance should start up on its own.  You need to check the balance and the depth of the contrite wheel making sure the teeth engage correctly. No matter what position the movement is in it should work, if it stops the depth will be wrong.  

[Marc]

8 hours ago, oldhippy said:

The coiled spring on the escape wheel should act as a silent tick

Interesting.....

I have a late 1960's Elliott desk/mantle clock which has a 7 jewel french platform escapement but without any of the spring work on the escape wheel, and it is really loud!!

I have to agree with OH on the build quality, it is very much a notch or two above the average fare...

[Alun]

On 1/3/2023 at 4:08 PM, oldhippy said:

 Elliot clocks are English I have many ranging from time pieces to Chiming all with platform escapements they are very well made clocks from the movement to the cases. The coiled spring on the escape wheel should act as a silent tick, that is if it is working correctly. You need to make sure the balance is in beat, if you stop the balance and you have power on the spring the balance should start up on its own.  You need to check the balance and the depth of the contrite wheel making sure the teeth engage correctly. No matter what position the movement is in it should work, if it stops the depth will be wrong.  

Thanks OH....the tick is very very quiet so it must be doing its job. I was just puzzled by it and thought someone would know!  I've adjusted the end shake on the contrite wheel and I feel its ok. The beat also seemed ok but I think I'm going to recheck just in case..... otherwise it's running well and I'm happy with it. Cheers Alun.

 

15 hours ago, Marc said:

Interesting.....

I have a late 1960's Elliott desk/mantle clock which has a 7 jewel french platform escapement but without any of the spring work on the escape wheel, and it is really loud!!

I have to agree with OH on the build quality, it is very much a notch or two above the average fare...

Hi Marc....this one is really quiet, you have to put your ear to the clock to check it's running!!! I've got a late C19th French clock of my own that's really loud....so it looks like that spring is a dampener.... cheers Alun