Survey: Epilame in pendulum clocks

[jchorology]

Hello all,

As a student of horology at West Dean College in England I'm looking to investigate the use of epilame in pendulum clocks. We all know the challenges of lubrication like creeping oil, deterioration, wear, etc., and debates around the correct method of lubrication are endless. At my school I'm hoping to establish whether epilame (a thin oil-repelling coating such as Moebius Fixodrop or Horotec Episurf-Neo, commonly used in the watch industry) might be a viable conservation-grade solution to creeping oil in pendulum escapements. I am currently setting up a test rig of Hermle 771 movements for this purpose.

As part of my research I would like to gauge the opinions and current practices of horologists regarding this topic. What kind of issues have you encountered with oiling? Have you ever used epilame on pendulum escapements? If you could respond to this two-minute survey it would be of great help for me towards my research.

Many thanks
JC

 

[Jonas]

That’s a very interesting question, and something that I've never heard brought up in clock repair. What if we didn’t stop this experiment with epilame on the escapement, but would also treat the pivot holes (both sides) and the ends of the arbors? Would that prevent oil seepage, which is known to siphon oil away from the pivots, or would it allow the oil to freely run over the epilame surface (vertically) similar to water off of a waxed surface?
It would be interesting to see the survey results as well as the results of your experiment!

 

[jchorology]

That would be interesting but for this project I'll be focusing purely on the escapement. There is also comparatively more literature on the tribology of pivots as opposed to escapements. I believe somebody has actually done similar research about pivots at West Dean - I'll definitely have a read when I have the time.

I would be happy to share the results of my project in September when it will all be over!

 

[Jonas]

That would be interesting but for this project I'll be focusing purely on the escapement. There is also comparatively more literature on the tribology of pivots as opposed to escapements. I believe somebody has actually done similar research about pivots at West Dean - I'll definitely have a read when I have the time.

I would be happy to share the results of my project in September when it will all be over!

I’d be happy to see the results!
I would venture to guess this is part of your thesis work?

 

[jchorology]

I’d be happy to see the results!
I would venture to guess this is part of your thesis work?

That’s right

 

[shutterbug]

Will your other classmates know what an analog clock is?