Rolex's Patented Chronergy Escapement

Over the past 15 years, Rolex has developed and patented the Chronergy escapement in their manufacturing plant, Manufacture des Montres Rolex in Bienne, Switzerland. This escapement is currently used in the 3255 and 3235 movements. 

Rolex's Patented Chronergy Escapement (Photo: Rolex)

The escapement, shown in the photo above, receives energy from the mainspring and transmits it to the oscillator, which is the part of the movement that helps regulate the flow of energy and keep the time. This part of the movement is also responsible for the ticking noise that mechanical watches make. Without it, the mainspring and oscillator will stop working after a few moments.

There are four parts of the escapement: the escapement wheel, pallet fork, pallet bridge and the roller. These tiny parts are required to be extremely precise, making it one of the most difficult parts of the watch to manufacture. Synthetic rubies and patented lubricants are used to minimize friction in the metal parts of the escapement so that it can last long without deteriorating.

Rolex developed a new component of the escapement called Chronergy. Their new version of the Swiss lever escapement uses geometry and innovation to improve efficiency by 15%. The pallet fork and escapement wheel are made of nickel-phosphorus to protect them from magnetic interference. The escapement is also cut out to reduce its weight and reduce the effects of inertia, also adding to its efficiency.

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