Omega Watches Make History with Co-Axial Escapement

In 1999, Omega made a huge impact on the watch industry by
introducing the very first co-axial escapement.  The
introduction has been considered one of the most
significant advancements within the watch industry since
the invention of the lever escapement.  After English
watchmaker George Daniels invented the co-axial escapement,
the first mass-produced watch incorporating the new feature
was distributed to the public in 1999.

The way the co-axial escapement functions, it uses
virtually no lubrication.  Because of this, it eliminates
one of the shortcomings that are present with the
traditional lever escapement.  By utilizing radial friction
instead of sliding friction at the impulse surfaces, the
co-axial escapement helps reduce friction.  As friction is
reduced because of the co-axial escapement, theoretically
the watch should last much longer.  In addition, you will
find that your watch maintains its accuracy and precision
over time.

Another benefit to the co-axial escapement is the smaller
lift angle and the increased arc of free vibration of the
balance wheel.  Because of this, there is a greater part of
the total arc that is conducted free of interfering contact
with the pallet lever.

The original escapement has proved to be reliable and
durable over the past two centuries.  It was designed by a
British maker Thomas Mudge and was eventually refined by
the Swiss.  Although it has served its purpose, the one
downside to the conventional escapement is that the design
relies so heavily on sliding friction.  The sliding
friction serves as the escape wheel impulse surfaces sweep
over the pallets to power the balance.

By having sliding friction in your watch, lubrication is
needed.  Lubrication continues to be a weak point to the
lever escapement, and because of this George Daniels wanted
to eliminate sliding friction.  By utilizing radial
friction, Daniels was able to eliminate sliding friction
and thus eliminate lubrication.

Many Omega timepieces have the co-axial escapement in them
now since being introduced to it in 1999.  At the Basel
Watch and Jewelry Fair in 1999, Omega introduced a new
watch for the Deville line that was a chronometer-rated
limited edition watch.  This was the first watch that
included the co-axial escapement that was being sold for
under $150,000.

Today, there are many watches that use the co-axial
escapement.  Omega has ventured out and their
innovativeness was well felt with this invention.  It was a
remarkable achievement by Omega and has contributed to an
already successful history within Omega timepieces.


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