I see the question on how to adjust the depthing on the balance for ideal operation coming up on various chat lines. Shown below is the best explanation I have seen on how this is accomplished. The material is from an old book by the AWI [in those days] to prepare students for the masters clockmakers exam entitled “Questions and Answers of and for the Clockmaking Profession.” This portion was written by Marvin C. Whitney and from page 197.

The first step is that the pallet fork angles shown as a top view below must be perfectly horizontal and vertical with respect to all directions. That is the x-y, and z axis. The flat part on top must also be perfectly horizontal.

If that is correct then the depthing of the pallet fork with respect to the two pins on the escapement are critical. Looking at figures 2 and 4 from left to right, if ones draws a line across the ends of the two parallel portions of the fork, you will see that about 75-90% of the balance pin is captured by the fork. Anything less will result in power loss.

As the balance swings around it is imperative that the pins not touch the right side ‘horn’ shown in figure 3. Likewise as the balance continues to rotate, it must also not touch the left hand ‘horn’ shown in figure 5. Any touching will result in significant power loss.

So the ideal is for the two pins to be captured as deeply as possible without them touching the pins on either side.

In operation, the balance should have a minimum swing of 180-270 degrees each direction from dead center the the mainspring fully wound.

This diagram is the best theoretical explanation of the operation of the floating balance escapement I have seen and has guided me through the years.

As I have written before, I am not a fan of this balance and change them all out for a pendulum unit. It is essentially a pin pallet escapement in watch terms and is about 80% less efficient than a pendulum unit. At the time it was invented, there were no auto beat adjustable verges and it was a way around resetting the verge every time the clock is moved.

At any rate, if you decide to restore these, I hope this helps.