Marcus Hanke
[PuristSPro Moderator]
11295
Some details on the "diamond escapement"
During the UN Sonata event in Vienna (see report below), also the much-discussed Freak movement with diamond escapement wheels and balance spring was shown:
Please note that the three parts mentioned above are barely visible, due to their material's transparency.
The polymorph diamond is flexible enough to allow a centric "pulse" of the spring, while being absolutely neutral in the face of temperature changes. Contrary to what I suspected, the parts are not brittle.
My inquisitory questions finally resulted in the statement, that indeed "a few" diamond-equipped Freak escapements exist, and it is theoretically possible to buy them - together with a Freak, of course. However, the surcharge necessary will be enormous, I heard something about a major part of a normal Freak's list price. Yet anybody purchasing this will get a most exclusive milestone in the history of watch-making.
Marcus