French Brocot Clock



The Brocot escapement, invented by Achille Brocot (1817-1878) in Paris around 1860, is a pin pallet escapement that was designed for use with pendulum clocks. The pallets have semi-circular, rounded surfaces instead of straight surfaces, found on most other escapements. Select this link to see an animation of the Brocot escapement.

Most clocks with Brocot escapements have the placed in front of the dial, where it can be seen in action. This clock was probably made in the 1880s, for export to the United States.

French clock enamel dial with two layers and visible Brocot escapement

Fig. 1

The dial comes apart in two layers.

inner layer of French clock enamel dial

Fig. 2

Behind the dial is the strike mechanism.

front of French clock mechanism

Fig. 3

I left the fourth wheel of the time train in its place for this photo, in order to show its position.

front of French clock mechanism with parts removed

Fig. 4

The rest of the gears are between the plates. The craftsmanship is superb, made by hand.

French clock mechanism with gears visible

Fig. 5

French Carriage Clock

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