GRASSHOPPER ESCAPEMENT

The escapement grasshopper (“grasshopper”) is a recoil escapement, with very low friction, designed by the Horologist (watchmaker) British John Harrison in the 18th century. Its originality lies in its two pivoting levers (the “pallets”) that alternate to hold and release the Escape wheel: the Movement of Lever / Rocker characteristic of these arms, which seem to jump, earned it its insect nickname. Thanks to contacts that engage and disengage with almost no sliding, the grasshopper escapement generates very little friction and can, in theory, operate without Lubrication — a major asset at a time when oils degraded quickly and compromised regularity. Harrison employed it in his precision clocks and his research on measuring longitude at sea. Mechanically subtle and visually spectacular, this Escapement remains rare: it is found mainly in fine horological pieces, regulators, and a few contemporary creations paying tribute to Harrison’s genius. It illustrates the historical quest for an Escapement that is both precise and free from Lubrication constraints, a concern that remains relevant today.