The Pin-Pallet Escapement: Adjustment & Repair by Robert Porter

This is a reference intended for those who enjoy the hobby of watch & clock repair.

The pin-pallet escapement was invented by Achille Brocot (1817-1878), a very able French clockmaker. Variations of the Brocot escapement are to be found in the clocks of many nations.

"Pin-pallet" refers to the semicircular "D" shaped pallets used to convert the rotary motion of the escape wheel into oscillating pendulum or balance wheel motion.

Those clocks that are constructed with the escape wheel, bridge, and pallets in plain view in front of the dial are commonly known as "outside" or "visible" escapement clocks.

The pin-pallet escapement requires very precise adjustment of its component parts to function properly. This guide was written to help point out the several important details that need to be looked after when repairing or adjusting this type of escapement.

It is suggested that the entire guide be reviewed before making any adjustment because it is easy to mistake one symptom for another. Worn pallet anchor and escape wheel pivot holes may be incorrectly diagnosed as a center distance problem, for example.