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lofty
11-12-2006, 02:52 PM
I have been reading some old MB threads and have seen the mention of Robin or Robin's escapement. I have not heard of this type of escapement before or read it in any reference books I have. Can someone please explain this type of escapement and/or direct me to some pictures of it. Thanks


Lofty
lofty
11-12-2006, 02:52 PM
I have been reading some old MB threads and have seen the mention of Robin or Robin's escapement. I have not heard of this type of escapement before or read it in any reference books I have. Can someone please explain this type of escapement and/or direct me to some pictures of it. Thanks


Lofty
Jerry Treiman
11-12-2006, 05:50 PM
The Robin escapement is very briefly described in "Watches" by Clutton and Daniels. It was invented by Robert Robin of Paris in 1791 and is a form of lever escapement with impulse provided to the balance only in one direction (as I understand it). They say "it is the nearest thing to what is somewhat vaguely referred to as a 'half-chronometer'". They also provide a photograph of an example of the escapement. However, there were apparently several other Robin escapments (two others described and illustrated by Chamberlain in "It's About Time") so it is uncertain which is referred to in the threads you saw.
lofty
11-13-2006, 12:37 PM
Jerry, thanks for the information. I have since done a search on Google and found some more information and some pictures. It appears that AP are going to, or already are, using a variation of this escapement in some of their watches.


Lofty
Jon Hanson
11-13-2006, 02:22 PM
some American (early) also have this escapement!
Tom McIntyre
11-13-2006, 11:25 PM
One of Reed's chronometer patent designs is a variant of the Robin escapement. It includes a spring loaded pallet as a safety device.

The escapement is on Reed #5, which I once owned.
Jon Hanson
11-14-2006, 04:34 AM
ALSO SOME EARLY HOWARDS, PROBABY BY REED.