Abstract: A mechanically driven clock, watch, or other timing device having a mechanical energy generator supplying a driving force. A rotatable rotor engages with a driving force resulting in rotational force in a radial direction on the rotor. A magnetically permeable stator surrounds the rotor. The rotor has a permanent magnet supplying an attractive force on the stator at least as strong as the rotational force in order to retain or lock the rotor in position. A magnet field is electromagnetically induced in the stator to provide a rotational force in the rotor in the direction of the mechanical generator driving force sufficient to overcome the permanent magnetic force and allow the rotor to rotate, whereby rotation of the rotor will be regulated.