Details

 

ESCAPEMENT

 

The escapement is a novel adaptation of John Harrisons Grasshopper geometry using two escape wheels as opposed to the typical single wheel.  

 

The sound of the clock is very unobtrusive making it ideal for a domestic environment.  

 

TRAIN

 

The clock is driven by a Wagner type remontoire hidden within the back board.  ‘Winding’ occurs every few seconds providing uniform power to the gear train.  Power for winding is provided by a 6v cell. This provides uninterrupted power in the event of a mains power failure. The rechargeable cell is expected to last 2+ years and is located in the base of the clock.  

 

The centre wheel tooth profile and escape wheel roller pinion are derived using Harrison’s Chordal Pitch.  

 

PENDULUM

 

The pendulum beats 4.5 degrees, a little less than the typical grasshopper owing to its modified geometry. Invar is used in the pendulum assembly. Invar is an alloy frequently used in Horology owing to its thermal stability. Rough regulation is achieved directly on the pendulum bob. Fine regulation is achieved via the subsidiary weights above the bob. Beat setting adjustment is provided at the crutch. 

 

DIALS

 

The dial is of the regulator style and displays dual time zones. Time zone locations adjusted to suit clients wishes. Seconds are read directly on the left escape wheel using the pallet as the indicator. 

 

CASE

 

Full length frameless tempered glass. 

12V LED lighting

 

PRICE: Please contact 

The clock is provided with a custom made shipping case.

Delivery, personal attendance, setup and instruction can be arranged if required.

Phil Abernethy was born in England to a family of clockmakers. After emigrating to Canada in 1976, he apprenticed to his father and became a journeyman clockmaker in 1988. After decades in the domestic and public clock field, their company, Abernethy & Son, has become widely regarded as masters of their craft in Canada and abroad. Drawing on his broad experience, Phil has pursued sculptural clockmaking, creating machines based on historic and obscure devices spread over the history of the craft. Phil works from his studio in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. 

“Being exposed to countless historic devices and systems in my work as a clock restorer over several decades, combined with a lifelong interest in art, it seems natural to explore the potential of clockwork as Art. 

Through my experience as a restorer, and after much experimentation, I’ve developed systems that have allowed a sculptural approach to my craft, whilst illustrating its vast history. The reinterpretation of their mechanics, and format, exposes what has traditionally been hidden behind the work of other crafts.

Key to this exploration has been the development of contemporary reflections on traditional mechanics that are both functional in the long term and require little in the way of maintenance and adjustment. This is achieved through the use of sound design, significant prototyping, contemporary materials and components, and by drawing extensively on my field experience.

Visually in my own work I combine natural lines and organic forms with the easy cadence of slow beating pendulums that reflect a natural and more reflective experience of time.”