6 Myths about the Co-Axial Escapement

By Montredo in Lifestyle
May 10, 2019
6 Myths about the Co-Axial Escapement

BUSTING MYTHS


Over the years, one thing that has hardly undergone any changes is how a mechanical watch functions. However, in the recent past there was one significant innovation that affected the escape of a watch movement.

Originally developed by George Daniels, the Co-Axial escapement combines the advantages of an anchor as well as a chronometer escapement and is considered widely by many as the most important watchmaking invention of the 20th century. With that in mind, here are 6 myths and misconceptions about an invention that was primarily utilised by Omega even up until the present day. Along with depicting advantages and potential drawbacks, we’re also going to answer the question about why the new Master Co-Axial movements are, strictly speaking, not anti-magnetic.


Myth 1: First and Foremost, The Co-Axial Escapement Improves a Watch’s Accuracy

Actually, the Co-Axial escapement doesn’t necessarily impact a watch’s accuracy. In comparison to the anchor escapement that is used by nearly every Swiss manufacturer, it’s characterized by a reduction in friction between the escape wheels. In turn, this causes less consumption of lubricating oil and makes the Co-Axial escapement less prone to routine maintenance. 


Myth 2: Omega Invented the Co-Axial Escapement

When George Daniels invented the Co-Axial escapement in the 1970s, he was a freelance watchmaker and not employed in the services of Omega. Therefore, the brand can’t claim to have invented the Co-Axial escapement. However, Omega was the first manufacturer that recognised the importance of this innovation and ultimately acquired its proprietary rights. In 1999, Omega incorporated the Co-Axial escapement for the first time as the pacemaker for the Calibre 2500.


Myth 3: Omega Owns the Rights to the Co-Axial Escapement

In fact, the patents for the Co-Axial escapement have expired and technically, any manufacturer can now use a Co-axial escapement for their own purposes.


Myth 4: The Co-Axial Escapement has No Drawbacks Compared to the Anchor Escapement

The Co-Axial escapement has a more elaborate construction than the Swiss lever escapement because the Co-Axial escapement requires an additional escape wheel. As a rule of thumb in watchmaking simple constructions are usually a better choice compared to more complicated mechanisms. There is a reason why constructions are generally kept as simple as possible: more components usually mean a higher probability that something will eventually break down.

While it’s occasionally assumed that the earliest Co-Axial movements were prone to defects, the newest generation is widely considered very reliable. Nevertheless, one thing should be kept in mind when owning a Co-Axial watch: the watchmaker that services the piece should already have significant hands-on experience with Co-Axial movements, because its most sensitive parts can be damaged during deconstruction. This is why Co-Axial movements should generally be serviced by authorised Omega service partners.


Myth 5: The New Master Co-Axial 15.000 Gauss Movement Protects Against Magnetic Fields 

Even though it doesn’t have much to do with the Co-Axial escapement from a functional standpoint, the new movement series 15.000 Gauss is often linked to the Co-Axial escapement. This is because, quite simply, the unmagnetic Omega movements are only offered with Co-Axial escapements, or more precisely, the new generation of Master Co-Axial movements.


Myth 6: Multiple Co-Axial Models Have a Four Year Manufacturer’s Warranty

The material of the balance spring, not the presence of a Co-Axial escapement, is decisive for whether or not a watch is covered by a 4 year warranty. Whereas older models with a Co-Axial escapement are covered by a 3 year warranty, all models with a silicon balance spring have 4 years. You might be inclined to think that it’s not relevant anymore as it only affects old models. However, the shorter duration of some types of Co-axial models is still pertinent to old stock or used watches with a remaining warranty. Any Omega pieces with a classic Swiss lever escapement are covered by a two year warranty.

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