Elliott Clock Platform Escapement

[Alun]

Hi all

My first question on this forum

I have just serviced a nice Elliot French clock which belongs to a neighbour.

It was really gummed up and is now cleaned, oiled, greased and going well.

However....it's platform escapement is puzzling me. It's not like any I've seen before as it has a coiled spring on the escape wheel with what I can only describe as a cam set up....see photo.

If I stop the balance the escape wheel 'locks' and the usual shake doesn't get it started...so any help explaining this escapement and the purpose of the coil / cam will be gratefully received.

Many thanks 

Alun

[oldhippy]

 Elliot clocks are English I have many ranging from time pieces to Chiming all with platform escapements they are very well made clocks from the movement to the cases. The coiled spring on the escape wheel should act as a silent tick, that is if it is working correctly. You need to make sure the balance is in beat, if you stop the balance and you have power on the spring the balance should start up on its own.  You need to check the balance and the depth of the contrite wheel making sure the teeth engage correctly. No matter what position the movement is in it should work, if it stops the depth will be wrong.  

[Marc]

8 hours ago, oldhippy said:

The coiled spring on the escape wheel should act as a silent tick

Interesting.....

I have a late 1960's Elliott desk/mantle clock which has a 7 jewel french platform escapement but without any of the spring work on the escape wheel, and it is really loud!!

I have to agree with OH on the build quality, it is very much a notch or two above the average fare...

[Alun]

On 1/3/2023 at 4:08 PM, oldhippy said:

 Elliot clocks are English I have many ranging from time pieces to Chiming all with platform escapements they are very well made clocks from the movement to the cases. The coiled spring on the escape wheel should act as a silent tick, that is if it is working correctly. You need to make sure the balance is in beat, if you stop the balance and you have power on the spring the balance should start up on its own.  You need to check the balance and the depth of the contrite wheel making sure the teeth engage correctly. No matter what position the movement is in it should work, if it stops the depth will be wrong.  

Thanks OH....the tick is very very quiet so it must be doing its job. I was just puzzled by it and thought someone would know!  I've adjusted the end shake on the contrite wheel and I feel its ok. The beat also seemed ok but I think I'm going to recheck just in case..... otherwise it's running well and I'm happy with it. Cheers Alun.

 

15 hours ago, Marc said:

Interesting.....

I have a late 1960's Elliott desk/mantle clock which has a 7 jewel french platform escapement but without any of the spring work on the escape wheel, and it is really loud!!

I have to agree with OH on the build quality, it is very much a notch or two above the average fare...

Hi Marc....this one is really quiet, you have to put your ear to the clock to check it's running!!! I've got a late C19th French clock of my own that's really loud....so it looks like that spring is a dampener.... cheers Alun

[steveluigi]

Please can anyone help me?

I have inherited a beautiful looking Mapping & Webb mantle clock with an Elliot of London 8226 movement. It is wound not overwound, but I can't get it to work? Does this movement have any kind of safety switch for transporting it? I can't see one anywhere but thought it a possibility? Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[steveluigi]

[clockboy]

I presume it has been serviced, it certainty looks clean. If so it’s a matter of elimination take power off the mainsprings then add a little power by a half a turn then remove the platform escapement and see if it runs . BUT BE CAREFUL don’t let it run away uncontrollably by a finger on one of the wheels.

Edited October 3, 2024 by clockboy

[steveluigi]

15 minutes ago, clockboy said:

I presume it has been serviced, it certainty looks clean. If so it’s a matter of elimination take power off the mainsprings then add a little power by a half a turn then remove the platform escapement and see if it runs . BUT BE CAREFUL don’t let it run away uncontrollably by a finger on one of the wheels.

Thank you so much, but unfortunately I don't have a clue about doing what you said. I was just given the clock, and thought yhdybthere may be a lock or travel switch, which I have seen on some anniversary clocks.

[oldhippy]

Nothing on or in these movements when transporting. You will need to remove the movement from the case. Do not remove the platform until you have let down the all the power. If you have never let the power down on a clock I suggest you buy one of these. https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/mainspring-let-down-tool-with-6-key-shafts. Let the power down on all three springs.

When all to power has been let down mark where the platform is a marker pen for this,then remove the protection hood it should slide away sometimes a small screw might be holding it. Place a piece of peg wood into one of the train wheels this will prevent wheels turning then remove the four screws that hold the platform they are all the same length and remove the complete platform from the movement. Remove the pegwood then add a little power and see if the train runs. The reason for letting the power down on all three is the strike and the chime can jam the works up. These movements are fitted with a silent night stop which works from 11pm to 7am