Clock

Clock

Any instrument other than a watch for measuring or indicating time, especially a mechanical or electronic device having a numbered dial and moving hands or a digital display.

Industry: Chronometry

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Clock

revolutionary clock

Chronometry; Clock

In 1793 the introduction in France of what revolutionaries regarded as rational time measurement, on a decimal base, prompted the production of decimal clocks. Revolutionary fervour was otherwise ...

A finish or form of decoration given to chronometer plates or clock parts, consisting of equidistant circular spots or rings which sometimes overlap each other. The rings are produced by a rotating ...

spoon fitting

Chronometry; Clock

An early hood-locking device found on some late 17th-century longcase clocks in which the hood was raised vertically on runners for access to the movement. The spoon fitting consisted of a small ...

split plates

Chronometry; Clock

Assembling a large three- or four-train clock often presents great difficulty. High-quality clocks sometimes have the front or backplate divided, so that each train may be assembled independently.

jewelling

Chronometry; Clock

One of the early improvements in clock making was the replacement of brass pivot holes with pierced jewels. Precision timekeepers were jewelled with natural ruby or sapphire; in work of lower ...

japanning

Chronometry; Clock

A pseudo-oriental form of decoration simulating Chinese or Japanese lacquer work. Japanning was extensively employed for decorating longcase clocks throughout much of the 18th century. Black with ...

Japanese sundial

Chronometry; Clock

Like most astronomical and horological conventions in Japan before the advent of the Europeans, sundials were probably imported during the Asuka period (6th century AD) from T'ang China. The sundial ...