Adjusting a full plate pocket watch escapement

[syfre]

Hello guys,

Full plate pocket watches use a right angle escapement and may be really tricky to adjust because of the full plate design.

Some adjustments may be done by the pallet assembly which is composed of two parts, the top plate which has the fork and the guard pin and the bottom which hold the stones. The two are screwed and the screws enable some adjustment in both horizontal and vertical :

With the horizontal you can adjust the position of the guard pin (never bend it) and of the fork.

With the vertical you can adjust the position of the stones and the locks of the escapement  :

 

So, if you have to made some adjustments at the pallet, don't forget to check the position of the guard pin and the locks before reassembling.

 

 

 

[jdrichard]

May have a problem with my 24 Jewel Bunn special stoping in Crown down position while running exceptionally well in all other positions.

[nickelsilver]

For full plate watches you really need an escapement matching tool. This is sort of a movement holder and depthing tool in one; there are 3 (sometimes only 2 but 3 is best) arms that carry runners that can be accurately aligned with the balance, escape wheel and pallet fork pivot locations. The plate is put in place (well, upper plate), then the components with one end supported by a runner. You can then check the escapement functions in full view.