Escape backlash and troubleshooting

[chaplin37]

Hello everyone, I have a watch im working on and i noticed that when it is wound with the pallet out of it that the escape wheel doesn’t have any backlash. I cant remember for the life of me what the problem with a watch is if you don’t see that backlash and was wondering if someone could remind me of that? Thanks

[Bob Tascione]

Hi Chaplin,
Yes after giving the mainspring a turn or two the escape wheel should come to a stop and reverse it’s rotation for a few turns. If it doesn’t do this then the movement could just be in need of a cleaning and oiling but there are other things that can cause this too such as worn pivots, cracked jewels etc. etc. Good to start out with a good visual inspection when disassembling and then a thorough clean and oil.
Hope this helps,
Bob

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