Lever escapement

Invented in 1755, the detached lever escapement stood the test of time. Its history is a good illustration of the way in which requirements of precision fluctuated over the years. Whilst the few timepieces made with detached lever escapement in the 18th century were regarded as chronometers, during the 19th century lever escapements became a feature of the high-quality pocked watch. Quality was still high, but not to standart of a precision instrument. For popular succes, the lever escapement needed a number of improvements. A lighter construction and the addition of draw to the lever palettes, for example, significantly improved reliability. Different countries developed preferences for different types of lever escapements. English watchmakers preferred escape wheels with ratched teeth, while the French and the Swiss opted for club teeth.