You’re right—the escapement is a micro‑warzone. The cleanest fix is to make the impulse as constant as possible. Use a low‑friction, single‑lever pallet with a detent that gives a tight, predictable push every cycle. Remove any play or excess lubrication, and you get a steady tick that won’t fall out of step. It’s not flashy, but that’s the kind of mechanical elegance that keeps time honest.