By: Richard Fox, Freelance Auction Reporter – Watches & Horology. London.
Escapement demonstration models - still relevant or now just a collector item?
Almost intrinsic to all learning is the need to demonstrate how something works. Concepts and theories can be taught but a practical demonstration is often central to how we actually learn.
One item that has been used for years by horologists to assist learning is the escapement demonstration model. As an auction reporter I see these models come up for auction at various horology sales. They are fascinating items, but in a world of computer based learning and advanced software are these real models still relevant or are they now just collector items?
To get some thoughts on this topic I asked two people involved in horology and education. Alexandra Bond is the Museum Manager for The Museum of Timekeeping, based in Upton, Newark in the UK. Jeremy Hobbins is the Deputy Head of School & Course Leader at the School of Jewellery which offers a BA (Hons) Horology Degree. The School is part of Birmingham City University, UK.
Positively their comments, (below), support the idea that these ‘real’ models are still relevant, albeit in combination with CAD design software generated models and even 3D printed versions. Of course, they also make for make superb collector items as well. Examples of fine escapement models recently sold at auction include the following:
An Omega demonstration escapement model with winding key, case and a plaque dated 1948. Sold by Antiquorum at their ‘Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces’ sale, Geneve, 28 June 2020, (Lot 335). Sold for CHF 6,000 including buyer’s premium.
© Photo image courtesy and copyright of Antiquorum.
Made by Tilmann von dem Knesebeck, Leipzig, circa 1973 - a spring detent escapement model with flying tourbillon based on Alfred Helwig’s design. This escapement model was sold by Auktionen Dr. Crott at their 103rd Auction, Mannheim, 7 November 2020, (Lot 141). Sold for €12,500 including buyer’s premium.
The auction cataloguing notes that Tilmann von dem Knesebeck explained the development of his model in an article in Klassik Uhren Magazin (2/2004).
© Photo images courtesy and copyright of Auktionen Dr. Crott
© Photo images courtesy and copyright of Auktionen Dr. Crott
© Photo images courtesy and copyright of Auktionen Dr. Crott
A spring detent escapement model made for the Bradley Horological Institute, Peoria, Illinois, signed Robt. W. Mintmeir, circa 1940. Sold by Bonhams at their ‘The Art of Time’ sale in New York, 3 December 2020, (Lot 73). Sold for US $2,805 including buyer’s premium.
Bonhams included that in 1892 philanthropist Lydia Moss Bradley purchased the Parson's Horological School in LaPorte, Indiana and relocated the school to Peoria, Indiana. ‘The Horological Department of the Bradley Polytechnic Institute was dedicated on Friday, November 19th, 1897. George Wild, known as "Papa Horology “, to his students, served as the dean from 1931 until the department's closure in June 1961. The institute became Bradley University’.
© Photo image courtesy and copyright of Bonhams.
Included in the Museum of Timekeeping’s collection are several escapement demonstration models. Commenting Alexandra Bond, Museum Manager, noted that these models will form part of the soon to be competed new Watch Gallery. Once opened, (in accordance with the UK Government COVID-19 requirements), the escapement models will not only be available to view they will also be included in the museum’s education activities for visitors.
Jeremy Hobbins is well placed to comment on the relevance of escapement models given his role in horological education at the Birmingham City University (BCU), which offers the BA (Hons) Horology Degree.
© Photo image courtesy and copyright of Jeremy Hobbins, Birmingham City University.
“The Horological Museums for the World often have exquisite examples of oversized Escapement models that have been beautifully created either to showcase an individual’s craftsmanship, or as a means to allow others to fully understand the complexities of their design and operation. Perhaps they even took the form of the Apprentice Piece, much loved by furniture makers and engineers. Any physical representation of a working device allows the eager student of Horology to better understand how things work, and where possible even see the effects of minor adjustment.
The 2D Drawings and lengthy descriptive passages found in textbooks can be difficult to grasp and, in these days of increasing inclusivity in education, any educator welcomes different ways to communicate and so improve understanding. Often the horologist’s brain is better wired to understand from visual stimuli, so these models still have their place, except the World has now moved into a digital arena. Computer generated CAD drawings can be animated to provide “working” representations of moving components, and the internet is a valuable source of examples, though not always entirely correct, they provide valuable discussion aids.
On our BA Horology at BCU we ask all of our students to model virtual escapements using Solidworks, and some have these 3D printed to create “real” examples they can get their hands on. We also ask them, whether Watch or Clock students, to make a Recoil Escapement using traditional techniques. We believe the task really embeds the fundamental principles of Escapement Adjustment, the importance of obtaining equal Depthing and Drop, and the effect of adjusting one pallet has on the operation of the other. There is no substitute for “real life” engagement, and Escapement Models continue to play a vital role in promoting understanding whether physical or virtual in their construction”.
Acknowledgements: I would like to thank Alexandra Bond, Jeremy Hobbins, Antiquorum, Auktionen Dr. Crott, and Bonhams for their valued contribution to this article.
Richard Fox, Freelance Auction Reporter