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This information page comprises six sections: Science, Design and Construction Aesthetic Design
Repair
of Clocks
General Reference Books Suppliers Courses of Study
The coverage is by necessity very brief. As far as books are concerned, I have listed the ones I have
on my own bookshelf, which I refer to regularly, and which are readily available. I am aware that notable books
such as the Daniels - Art of Breguet are not listed. This is simply because of availability.
Science, Design and Construction Clocks Inevitably, there is some crossover between 'sections'.
For the sake of brevity I have only listed an authors key publication/s.
Rawlings,
A., (1948), The Science of Clocks & Watches, Pub. British Horological Institute Ltd, 1993. Probably
the most quoted book dealing with the science of horology. The text is essentially that of the second edition
published in 1948 but was extensively updated (and corrected) by a group of eminent horologists in 1993. The
science/maths is about A Level.
Roberts,
D., (2004), Precision Pendulum Clocks * - France, Germany, America and Recent Advancements, Pub. Schiffer,
2004. ISBN: 0-7643-2021-1
Roberts,
D., (2003), Precision Pendulum Clocks - The Quest for Accurate Timekeeping, Pub. Schiffer, 2004. ISBN:
0-7643-1636-2 Roberts, D., (2003), English
Precision Pendulum Clocks, Pub. Schiffer, 2003. ISBN: 0-7643-1846-2.
This
trilogy of books deals with precision pendulum clocks from the sixteenth to end of the twentieth century. It
is written with great clarity and beautifully illustrated with numerous photographs and drawings. It deals with
both the history and technology of precision time keeping. The science/maths is about O Level. I
have purposely included the ISBN numbers because the titles are similar and can cause some confusion. Riefler, D., (1981), Riefler-Präzisionspendeluhren,
Pub. Callwey, 1981, written in German. For an English summary of Riefler's work see * above. Riefler
made more mechanical observatory clocks than any other manufacturer. The key to their success was their temperature
and barometric compensating pendulums, his 'detached' escapement, electric remontoir and general high quality workmanship.
Riefler also made drawing instruments.
Matthys, R., (2004), Accurate
Clock Pendulums, New York, 2004. The pendulum is the most critical part of a pendulum clock and is
my starting point in clock design. This is a very well researched book on clock pendulum design and as far as
I know the only text of its kind. It deals with conventional pendulum geometry (as distinct from compound pendulums),
suspensions, case influences, materials, electronic drive systems and lots more. The section on long-term stability
of pendulum materials is particularly interesting. The research is practically based and the results expressed
in tables or graphically. The science/maths is between O and A Level.
Baker,
G.L. & Blackburn J.A., (2005), The Pendulum - a case study in physics, New York, 2006. This
is a scholarly work and, as the title suggests, presents a broad view of the pendulum. Conventional clock applications represent
about a quarter of the book. This is an 'inspirational' source for pursuing in-depth pendulum phenomena
and novel concepts in clock design. For example, the 'simple' pendulum, compound pendulum, circular
error, Faucault pendulum, and coupled pendulums, are considered in great detail. The book is written in the language of maths
and physics but also includes historical background and references to the pendulum in popular literature. The
science/maths is at least first-degree level.
Woodward, P., (1995),
My Own Right Time, Pub. Oxford University Press, 1995. Woodward is one of my favourite
horological authors. This book is an absolute must for clock designers interested in precision timekeeping,
modern mechanism design, and analysis. Woodward has the unique ability to invent novel mechanisms and to explain
a broad range of horological concepts clearly. The book deals mainly with Woodward's own novel clocks but
also includes other clock mechanisms - some common - some less common. In addition, Woodward discusses ways
mechanism design and outside phenomena affect timekeeping. The science/maths is between O and A level.
Woodward,
P., (2006), Woodward on Time, Pub. Bill Tayler and the British Horological Institute,
2006. The book is subtitled 'a compilation of Philip Woodward's horological writings'. Again,
an absolute must for the clock designer. The content is much wider ranging than MORT and includes, for example,
eight articles on 'Escapement theory' and eight articles on 'Pendulums and their suspensions'. For
watchmakers, Woodward considers the 'Performance of Daniels coaxial escapement' and provides is 'A study of the
spiral hairspring'. Some of Woodward's clocks are also included including his masterpiece W5, which
is described in greater detail than in MORT together with colour pictures and descriptions of David Walter's magnificent
copy (D) W5. The level of science and maths ranges from O Level to degree. Which book to choose
MORT or WOT? - get both! Harrison, Stuart., (2011) John Harrison's Contrivance, Pub. Fiochra Press.,
Orford, Suffolk. This is a scholarly book on John Harrison, concentrating on and culminating in his Royal Astronomical Society
(RAS) Regulator. Harrison began work on the Regulator in about 1750 and it remained unfinished when he died in 1776. He claimed
that the Regulator would be capable of an accuracy of 1 second in 100 days. Such accuracy was not achieved until 1927 (Shortt
Clock). The author (Stuart Harrison) is building the RAS Regulator according to Harrison's original intentions, to determine
if such accuracy could have been achieved in the late 18th century.
The book includes the relevant scientific and aesthetic
background of the period, and quotes from Harrison's own writings. Excellent detailed drawings are provided of the
regulator as the author believes Harrison intended it to be made; dimensions are taken predominantly from Rupert Gould's
Notebook (1927), and photogrammetrically from the clock as it is today. The most important mechanisms of the regulator
are analysed geometrically and algebraically (A Level Maths). This is not a beginners 'how to make a clock'
book; its audience is experienced horologists, clock collectors, clock designers, horology students, and scientific historians.
The book is beautifully written and clearly laid out. It is well illustrated with photographs, together with period
and modern drawings, sketches and diagrams. This is without doubt the finest horological book I've had the pleasure
to review since 'Woodward on Time'.
Penman, L., (2002), Clock
Design & Construction, 3rd Ed. Pub. American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute, Harrison, OH, 2002. In
contrast to the work of Woodward, this is a book for those mainly interested in traditional clock design and construction.
It is essentially a practical book dealing with various types and styles of clock, design calculations and construction
methods. As far as I know, it is the only book that gives typical dimensions and relative proportions of clock
components. Having made clocks to say Wilding's designs, this is the book one might turn to for advice about
designing one's own clock. The level of science and maths is about O Level. Penman, L., (1998), Practical Clock
Escapements, Pub. Mayfield Books UK and ClockWorks Press US, 2002. The title says it all. Again,
a book for designer/makers of traditional clocks. All the popular classical escapements from the ubiquitous
anchor to the Swiss lever platform are included together with historical background and reference sources. The
author describes tradition methods of laying out escapements using geometric construction. The diagrams throughout the book
are particularly clear. Again, typical dimensions, proportions and a wealth of 'making' and repair information
is provided. The book could be regarded as a follow on from Penmans CDC for the more adventurous clock designer/maker.
The level of science and maths is about O Level.
Gazeley,
W.G., (1956), Clock & Watch Escapements, Pub. Hale, 2001. The obvious differences between
this book and Practical Clock Escapements are the dates when the books were written and the fact that Gazeley includes watch
escapements. Penman makes reference to the Gazeley in his book so, as one might expect, Penman builds on Gazeley
- but there are differences. For example, the authors differ on their methods of designing an anchor escapement.
The method taught by the British Horological Institute is different again! Personally, I tend to look
at several approaches and then decide for myself. Little or no maths required.
Saunier.
C., (1861), Treatise on Modern Horology, Pub. W. & G. Foyle Ltd., 1975 Ed. There is always
a danger of including 'Modern' in the title of a book! This weighty volume is probably the most complete
single technical reference book of mid 19th century horology. It includes many high quality coloured engravings
of mechanisms (regrettably, in this ed., some are split by the centre fold). No maths required. Various authors, The Clockmaker Vols. 1 & 2,
Pub. Tee Publishing. This is a 'leather' bound compendium of 'The Clockmaker' magazine articles April 1990 - March 1994).
The books include numerous articles on workshop methods, designs for tools, descriptions of clocks and clock mechanisms,
repair, and construction articles on how to make a variety of clocks. These include: Eureka Clock,
Free Pendulum Clock, Sundials, two Beginner's Clocks, two Skeleton Clocks, Large Electrical Balance Clock, Murday Clock,
Electric Clock With Semi Free Balance, Wooden
Clock Movement, Year Clock, Quarter Chiming Clock, Tubular Bell Quarter Chiming Clock, Simplified Orrery, Hipps Toggle Clocks
with 1/2 second and 3/4 second pendulum, Large Balance Wheel Clock, Riefler Escapement Clock, Regulator Clock,
Mains Power Supply With Battery Reserve, and Ultra-miniature Electric Clock (battery). A few of the designs
are reprints of earlier publications. These are two very useful volumes for clockmakers who wish to choose/follow
existing designs and as a guide for clock designers. No maths needed. Clock Construction Manuals and Literature, Pub. RiteTime Publishing. This series of separate publications comprises 25 of 'how to make' construction manuals and 10 horological
books written by John Wilding. In addition, there are 'how to make' clock books by Wright, Tyler and
Woof. John Wilding is responsible for many people becoming 'hooked' on clockmaking - including myself,
so I can heartily recommend his work.
Clock Designs for Amateur Clockmakers. This site lists over 80 references for clock designs together with a short comment on each.
This is an early port of call for someone thinking about making a clock, for designers seeking inspiration, or for
information on a particular type of clock.
Arnfield,
J., (1987), An Inertially Detached Gravity Escapement, Horological Journal, October 1987, pp. 10-12.
This ingenious variation on the gravity escapement avoids the need for the pendulum to unlock the escapement.
Arnfield is currently working on the BHI 150 Anniversary Clock which as three pendulums. Stephen,
R., (2000), 30 Day Vienna Regulator, Horological Journal, March - September 2000, pp.
100 et al. Stephen challenges the conservatism of traditional clock making by his use of modern materials and
manufacturing techniques. For example, Stephen is an advocate of tungsten carbide for impuse jewels, ball bearings
instead of journal bearings and CNC machining in place of piercing saw and file. Hope-Jones, F., (1949), Electrical Timekeeping, Pub. NAG Press, Facsimile
Reprint 1976. This classic text on electric clocks of the early to mid twentieth century is out of print but
used copies are readily available. The book includes background developments and numerous examples of early
electric clock mechanisms often quoted from the patent literature. The text has an obvious Synchronome bias.
Hope-Jones is clear, indeed passionate, on what does, and what does not, contribute to good electrical timekeeping.
The content includes the background and development of the free pendulum culminating in the Shortt Clock. Finally,
Hope-Jones considers early quartz clock development. Ironically, his closing words are:
'But I see no prospect of a popular domestic clock in a quartz crystal ...This
is of enormous value to science and I seen no objection to leaving it alone to fulfill its lofty function which seem to me
to be its true destiny. It would be impertinence for a clockmaker to covet it and attempt to harness it to his
mundane purposes....'
Marshall,
P., Ed. (1929), Electric Clocks and Chimes, Pub. Tee Publishing, Reprinted 1994. This small
book gives construction details of several simple clocks that are aimed at the amateur including Hipps Toggle, master and
slave clocks (Synchronome), and electro-mechanical chimes. A more recent design of a Hipps Toggle clock is available
from Rite Time Publishing, www.ritetimepublishing.com, 3/4 Second Pendulum Electric Clock by John Wilding. Similarly,
a recent article on constructing the Synchronome is by Isaacs. E., An Electric Master Clock, Engineering in Miniature, Vol.
8, No. 9, Feb 1987, beginning at page 258). The technology in this book is obviously very dated. No maths needed. Kinoscan (1931), Electric
Clocks, Pub. Tee Publishing, Reprinted 1994. This is a very similar in content to the Marshall book.
However, the master clock is not a Synchronome but is either an ordinary mechanical clock or Hipps Toggle fitted with a count
wheel and contacts. Again, the technology is obviously very dated. No maths needed. Wild. M., (2001), Wheel And Pinion Cutting In Horology
- A historical and practical guide, Pub. The Crowood Press, 2001. A beautifully produced and written book with
excellent photographs and line drawings. In addition to wheels and pinions, the author covers cutting of all
sorts of escape wheels, hour snails, count wheels, racks, ratchet wheels, crossing out, repair, lantern pinions, and Maltese
stop work. An essential book for the horologist. Maths - O Level.
British Horological Institute. Everything horological including: clocks, watches, history, makers, tools, repairing, technical,
design, teaching courses, distance learning, and 'how to make' projects. The Institute Journal is published
once per month and is a must for anyone interested in horology.
Model Engineer Magazine. Published once every two weeks. The Model Engineer is best know for its coverage of live steam modeling.
However, it publishes 'how to make' projects on clocks from time to time.
Engineering In Miniature. Normally published every month. Similar coverage to Model Engineer and again publishes 'how
to make' projects on clocks from time to time.
Sundials Waugh, A.E., (1973), Sundials - Their Theory and
Construction, Pub. Dover Publications,1973. An easy to digest book with all one needs to know to begin
designing and making sundials including tables of essential data. Maths - about O Level. Equation of Time. The equation of time can take three forms: A table, a graph, or a mathematical expression.
For designing EoT cams for clocks and sundials it is convenient to have an expression and then to use, for example,
MathCad to compute the form of the cam. The expression given in wikipedia is approximate but is adequate for
most purposes. The British Sundial Society also gives an approximation.
The British Sundial Society. The BSS deals with all aspects of sundials including: technical, artistic, and historical aspects. The
Bulletin is the journal of the BSS. This is beautifully produced and published four times a year.
General MathCad Software. It is possible to design clocks and sundial mechanisms without maths simply by copying previous work. However,
knowledge of science and maths gives greater scope for originality. Design calculations can be complex and repetitive.
This is where MathCad comes to the rescue. However, MathCad does not include horological design equations
- this is something one has to enter one's self. MathCad can be used to solve equations that are difficult
to solve using manual methods and also performs repeated calculations very quickly. MathCad is accurate to 15
decimal places which is more than adequate for horology. No specialist programming knowledge is required and
a page of MathCad looks very similar to the hand written equivalent. MathCad solves equations iteratively or
can be used to manipulate expressions 'symbolically'. The level of maths needed is generally A Level
plus.
Aesthetic Design
There are very
few people involved in modern clock design and even less combining both aesthetic and functional innovation. I
do not know of any 'text' book that covers contemporary clock design. The only course of study that has some design
content is the Higher National Diploma Course in Horology, University of Central England (UCE), UK. Here are
six of my favorite clock designers. It is interesting that they were all trained in the arts, crafts or engineering
and not horology. Marianne Forrest with examples of her work at Dazzle Exhibitions and Commission a Craftsman Tim Hunkin Andy Plant Jean Kazes, Anon.,
(1989), The Art of Jean Kazes, Horological Journal, July 1989, pp. As far as I know Jean Kazes does not have a web
site but the following sites include examples of his work: Visit to Patek Philippe, Sculptural Clockmaker and A Weekend in Geneve Philip Wurtz In addition, an organization responsible
for some innovative designs is Smith of Derby Co Ltd
Repair of Clocks Most of my repair information was accrued from the BHI Course
Notes, from my tutors at UCE, practicing clock repairers and from the Horological Journal. Accepted methods
of clock repair change over the years. Some methods acceptable fifty years ago are today considered 'bodges'.
For example, correcting worn holes by punching is no longer acceptable (see my Clock Repair Page). Similarly,
it is unlikely that the 21st Century repairer would use a bow drill in preference to an electric bench drill. As
far as I know, there is no single publication that provides detailed, wide-ranging, information on modern recommended methods
of clock repair. Here are five clock repair books on my bookshelf.
Donald
de Carle, (1968), Practical Clock Repairing, Pub. NAG Press, Reprinted 1999. One of the most
popular books on clock repair. Donald de Carle includes making a fusee timepiece to illustrate how to make individual
parts when carrying out repairs. The book is suitable for the beginner and more experienced repairer.
It is well illustrated with line drawings of clock mechanisms, tools and how to use them. Gazeley, W.J., (1993), Watch and Clock Making and
Repairing, Pub. Robert Hale, Reprinted 2001. Again, one of the most popular books on the subject.
The text assumes that the repairer knows how to use most hand tools and so the illustrations are less anatomical than
de Carle. Again, very well illustrated with the added advantage of covering watches as well as well as clocks. Terwilliger, C.,The Horolovar 400-Day Clock Repair Guide,
Pub. The Horolovar Company, 9th Edition, 1984. Anyone contemplating repairing 400 day clocks needs this book.
It provides a wealth of repair information. In addition, drawings of the numerous back plates allow
clocks to be dated and suspension springs identified.
Wadge,
C., (1994), The Hands On 400 Day Clock Repair Guide, Pub. Chris Wadge Clocks, 3rd Printing 1997).
A booklet written by an expert on 400 day clocks. A concise, easy to read, well illustrated little book
including some aspects not included in the 'Horolovar' book.
Wills,
P.B., (Ed.), (1995), Conservation of Clocks and Watches, Pub. The British Horological Institute, 1995.
This is probably the best book available on modern conservation with contributions from eleven of today's leading
horologists. Unlike the Donald de Carle or Gazeley books it assumes that the reader already has repair experience.
What this book provides is expert advice/guidance on methodology and 'degree' of restoration considered appropriate
for various situations. In addition, the book includes professional information including a 'Code of Ethics
for Horologists' and 'A Specimen Worksheet'.
In
addition: The BHI web page of Workshop Hints and Tips page is an excellent source of information for the clock repairer. Techniques described range from
'Removing broken screws' to 'Rust Removal Using Tea' - and it's free! General
Reference Books
I have two
reference books on my shelf: Good, R., (1978), Britten's
Watch & Clock Maker's Handbook Dictionary and Guide, 16th Ed.,Pub. Bloomsbury Books,1987.
This is an encyclopedic text and a must for all horologists. It probably contains more clock and watch
mechanisms, tools, and data than any other book.
Donald
de Carle, (1988), Watch & Clock Encyclopedia, 3rd Ed., Pub. N.A.G. Press, 2003. Physically
not as big as Britten's... but again contains a wealth of information. Donald de Carle's book is not
merely an abridged version of Britten, it includes many articles not included in Britten. These two books are
my first 'port of call' when I need information. Suppliers The web makes finding suppliers so much easier these days.
However, if one is making clocks from scratch, some items/services are still not easy to find. In addition,
for those people new to horology, some of the popular supply houses are included. My list has a strong West
Midlands bias for obvious reasons.
Equipment,
Tools and Consumables for Jewellery, Watch and Clock Trades:
Cousins Material House Walsh Sutton Tools All
three suppliers have shops in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham.
Clockmaking
supplies: Meadows & Passmore Ltd, Brighton.
Gem
stones: Manchester Minerals, Stockport. Tungsten carbide: Ceratizit, Warrington Invar rod: Meadows & Passmore Ltd, Brighton, UK Anodising:
E.V. Wood (Anodising) Ltd, Birmingham Chromium Plating: Cresswell & Co. (B'ham) Ltd, Birmingham Metals and plastics inc. white polyacetal (Delrin):
Mallard Metal Packs Ltd, Birmingham Plastics including Delring AF (bearing grade):
Heavon Dowsett, Birmingham Hardened stainless steel wire in straight
12-inch lengths - ideal for 'Woodward' style movements: K.C. Smith (Monmouth) Ltd (A division of Knight
Precision Wires Ltd) Potters Bar, 01600 713227
Gears:
HPC Gears Ltd, Chesterfield Small ball races: SMB Bearings, Brize Norton. Miniature stainless steel caphead screws:
Modelfixings Ltd, Watnall, Nottinghamshire Hardwood, softwood, plywood and Osmo wood finish:
Sykes Timber. The company also sells sample boxes of hardwood - ideal for the designer. Atherstone
Toughened
glass: Northfield Glass Ltd, Northfield, Birmingham Toughened Glass Data: Pilkington
Courses of Study
As far as
I know, there are only four courses of study in England that include clocks:
BHI Distance Learning Course. This comprises three grades normally studied over a three-year period - although there are no time
restrictions. One can elect to follow the course with or without tuition and the prices are currently £250
and £100 respectively per grade. Emphasis is placed on practical work and students are expected to have
all the necessary tools and equipment.
BHI Three Year Full time Course In Horology, University of Central England, School of Jewellery, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. This follows the
BHI Distance Learning syllabus and uses the same technical notes provided by the BHI. The first year theory
and practice covers both clocks and watches. In the second and third years, as far as practical aspects are
concerned, students specialise in one or the other. Second and third year lectures cover both watches and clocks.
The course is classed as Further Education.
Higher National Diploma In Horology, University of Central England, School of Jewellery, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. It is over two years but entrance
is via successful completion of the First Year of the UCE, BHI course. The course follows closely the syllabuses
of the second and third years UCE, BHI Course. Indeed, students can do both BHI and HND courses at the same
time. Lectures cover both watches and clocks. As far as practical repair aspects are concerned,
students can do a mixture of clocks and watches but tend to concentate on one or the other. The HND course is
classed as Higher Education. There is a lot of commonality between the full time BHI and HND courses but the
HND includes the following extra work:
Technical
drawing of the Swiss lever and chronometer escapements (in addition to the anchor and dead beat escapements)
A portfolio
of 20 repairs comprising a mixture of clocks and watches Photography Workshops CAD Workshops
History
of Art and Design including writing an extended essay Major project - the design and construction of a watch
or clock Making
a cock and plate with balance mounted on a staff and running in jeweled bearings.
Antique Clocks. West Dean College provides a one-year course on the restoration and conservation of antique clocks.
Copyright (c) 2006 Roger Bunce
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