Photograph a movement, dial, case back or maker's signature. Escapement analyses your images against an expert database of antique horology to return a precise identification — maker, calibre, era and provenance.
1 free identification — included with every account
Identify · Authenticate · Catalogue
Method
The same details a trained horologist would examine — evaluated in seconds.
Photograph
Capture the movement, dial, case back, or maker's signature. For pocket watches, a clear shot of the full movement plate is ideal.
Visual comparison
Your image is matched against a curated corpus of horological references from specialist publications, auction catalogues and museum collections spanning three centuries.
Feature analysis
Key identifying characteristics are scored: escapement type, balance wheel, jewelling, cock style, signature, case shape and dial configuration.
Identification
A ranked list of probable matches is returned with maker, calibre, date range, country of origin, and the features that led to the identification.
Coverage
"From verge escapements to early lever movements — English fusée work, Swiss ébauches, and Vienna regulators, all from a single photograph."
Reference material is sourced from specialist horological publications, major auction records, and museum inventories. Coverage focuses on the 18th through early 20th century — the golden age of mechanical horology.
Pricing
Start with a free identification. Pay only when you need more.
Escapement is currently in pilot — coverage and accuracy are actively expanding. Pilot pricing reflects this early stage.
Professional
per month · billed annually
Every new account includes 1 free identification — no credit card required.
FAQ
Escapement covers antique watches and clocks from approximately 1700 to 1910 — including English fusée pocket watches, Swiss lever movements, bracket clocks, carriage clocks, longcase clocks and Viennese regulators.
Escapement uses AI trained on thousands of horological references from specialist publications and auction records. Accuracy is highest for common English and Swiss movements. Results should be confirmed by an expert horologist for high-value pieces.
Escapement provides an AI-assisted assessment based on visual analysis — flagging replacement parts, inconsistencies, and known reproduction indicators. Physical expert examination is always recommended before any significant purchase.
For movements, photograph from directly above in good even light. For dials, avoid reflections by shooting at a slight angle. A ruler in frame can help calibrate scale.
Yes — every new account includes one free identification. No credit card required to get started.
Ready
Upload a photograph and let three centuries of horological history work for you.
Open Escapement