Smiths clock

[estanek70]

I just recieved an e-mail from a potential customer that has an English made Smiths clock with what he calls a”floating balance escapement” . I have not heard of this term nor can I find it in one of my clock books. He says the clock works fine but the striking lasts for about ten minutes after the hour. Has anyone run accross this term for an escapement?

[Bob Tascione]

Hi Ed,
Smiths started using the floating balance escapement in the mid 50s. They are less expensive to make than the normal platform escapement and are less vulnerable to sudden movement or jolts than platforms or pendulums. They used a long helical balance spring. They are very similar to the very popular Hermle floating balance. I don’t have one here to take a pic of but I’ll see if I can dig one up online and will post a link to it.
Bob

[Bob Tascione]

Here are three different links with 3 different pics for comparison Ed,
First one is on a Smiths
Second one is an older Hermle floating balance,
Third is an Urgos
Hope this helps,
Bob

http://0.tqn.com/w/experts/Clocks-Watches-1747/2010/09/smiths-floating-balance.jpg

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4113/4993510864_01189a8a55_z.jpg

https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRovJImMYcdQDD6-PHvhL6NLVhZ4yaIZl-Vrlr6FrWAb7WhmtV7

[estanek70]

Bob, Thanks once again for your help.

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