Dr. Ito's Complete Dissection of Mechanical Watches!! Vol. 53 – What is a Dynapulse Escapement?

This column discusses mechanical watches from an engineer's perspective. For the 53rd installment, the topic will be:

"What is the Dynapulse Escapement?"

The Cal.7135, featured in the new 2025 Rolex "Land Dweller," includes some highly significant advancements among mechanical watches of recent years.

In particular, we want to focus on the Dynapulse Escapement.

With the announcement of new models for 2026 just around the corner, we will explain the Dynapulse Escapement in an easy-to-understand way and predict its future prospects.

What is an Escapement?

First of all, unless you are a serious watch enthusiast or engineer, you probably haven't heard the term "escapement" very often.

The escapement, or "datsushinki" in Japanese, is a device that converts the energy of the mainspring into a "constant rhythm".

It is a very important mechanism that greatly influences the accuracy of a mechanical watch.

*The anchor is in the center of the image, and the escape wheel is on the right.

The traditional mainstream has been the Swiss lever escapement, which has been used for over 250 years.

It uses an anchor-shaped part called the "lever" and a specially shaped gear called the "escape wheel," and is adopted by most mechanical watches currently manufactured.

Weaknesses of the Traditional Swiss Lever

While the Swiss lever escapement has achieved a high level of perfection due to its long history of use, it also has weaknesses:

・The pallets (jewels of the lever) and escape wheel slide against each other (high friction)
・Reliance on lubrication (accuracy degrades with long-term use)
・Energy efficiency is not perfect

In other words, the situation of being "well-made but not ideal" had continued for a long time.

What is the Dynapulse Escapement?

To address this, Rolex developed the "Dynapulse Escapement."

Simply put, it is a new escapement that "transmits energy without sliding".

The main characteristic is that, unlike traditional lever-type escapements, it primarily involves "pushing and flicking" motions.

Key Feature: Elimination of Sliding Friction

So, what makes the Dynapulse so impressive? This is the essence:

・Traditionally (lever type), the escape wheel slides against the pallet as it pushes.
・The Dynapulse transmits force by almost instantaneously "tapping" the pallet with the escape wheel.

In other words, it has evolved from sliding friction to instantaneous impact.

What changes does this bring about?

① Improved energy efficiency

Reduced friction means the same mainspring operates more efficiently, and the balance amplitude remains stable over a long period.

② Reduced reliance on lubricants

Traditional escapements had an issue where oil degradation led to increased friction and decreased accuracy. The Dynapulse Escapement, without sliding motion, is likely less dependent on oil.

③ High long-term stability

This is probably what Rolex values most. Accuracy is less likely to degrade even after 10 years, and maintenance intervals can be extended. In other words, it is a technology that enhances the perfection of a "watch that can be used continuously".

Why Did Rolex Release This Now?

Rolex is a brand that generally "only releases products after they are thoroughly complete." The fact that they have equipped the Cal.7135 with the Dynapulse suggests that:

・It has passed durability tests.
・Mass production is feasible.
・The service system, among other things, is fully prepared.

Therefore, it is highly likely that this has been introduced as a "new generation standard".

We are very much looking forward to seeing how many models featuring this Dynapulse Escapement will be announced at the 2026 new product unveiling.

Summary

How did you find it?

In a word, the Dynapulse Escapement is a technology that further advances "a watch that is durable, accurate, and lasts a long time."

Though not flashy, it improves the most crucial part of a mechanical watch at its core, making it a truly Rolex-esque mechanism.

We hope this article has provided you with useful information and sparked even a little interest in luxury watches! Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask us directly, and we will be happy to provide thorough answers. We look forward to your visit and inquiries.

Stay tuned for the next installment! See you then!