In this escapement, a half cylinder oscillates with the balance wheel and engages a series of pallets on the escape wheel which is driven by the weight or spring. According to Britten, the inventor Thomas Tompiion was one of the greatest clock and watch makers of his time. His business was continued by another great clock maker, George Graham who was the inventor of the deadbeat anchor escapement, X7.
The cylinder escapement was popular in high quality watches in the late 18th and early 19th century.

Francis Moon 2003-05-29