Rolex's Patented Chronergy Escapement

.Tech.
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 patented chronergy mechanical watch escapement
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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Rolex 3255 Movement

.Tech.
One of the most talked about innovations revealed by Rolex at Baselworld 2015 was the Calibre 3255. The self-winding mechanical movement powers the Day-Date 40, a clean, modern take on their classic Day-Date model with a 40mm case. 

rolex calibre 3255
Rolex 3255 Movement (Photo: Rolex)

The watchmaker had to develop their own test protocol to evaluate the movement's performance. Protected by 14 patents, it is twice as precise as an officially certified chronometer and has a 70 hour power reserve. It also has their blue Parachrom hairspring fitted into the oscillator.

Another new feature is the Rolex Chronergy escapement, which accounts for a 15% increase in energy efficiency. Improvements were also made to the oscillating weight and the setting mechanism, which allows you to more easily feel each position when setting the watch.

Perpétuelle's blog offers a illustrated guide to this movement, for those who are interested in an organized, in-depth look at the new features and their functions.

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What is Baselworld?

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
Baselworld is an international trade show featuring the best of the watch and jewelry industries from around the world. It takes place annually in Basel, Switzerland and watchmakers and jewelers use the international attention paid to the event to showcase their latest innovations and set trends for the year to follow.

Taking place from March 17-24, 2016, this year event coordinators expect up to 150,000 guests and will feature 1,500 brands from 40 countries around the world. The name of the event has changed several times since it began in the early 20th century, most recently becoming known as Baselworld in 2003.

Entrance to Baselworld 2015
Entrance to Baselworld 2015 (photo: Studioforma)
Rolex debuted several new models at the 2015 event, including the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in platinum with an ice blue dial, which has been heavily featured on their website and in other publications since its debut. The timepiece is equipped with the 3255 self winding movement developed by Rolex with 14 patents for its technology.

Many are anxiously awaiting what will come out of the 2016 event, particularly from watchmakers such as Rolex, Panerai and Patek Philippe - to name a few. Watch the video below for a look at what Rolex presented at the event last year.

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UPDATE: Check out my list of 9 new models configurations Rolex will be featuring at Baselworld 2016.

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