        |
These working models show the development of the heart of the clock - the escapement, remontoire, pendulum balances and the basics of the going train. It's important to note that while we borrowed liberally from Harrison's H1 design for our pendulum balances and grasshopper escapement, we went several steps further. Harrison's escapement operated on one wheel ours doubled it to two counter-rotating escape wheels; each driven by it's own pendulum and remontoire connected through a differential system. The type of remontoire we used is Wagner's swinging-frame concept, again never before used in a tandem design. The inspiration for the double remontoire was a tower clock by Cooke & Sons in the Royal palace Courts of Justice, England. However, that remontoire is mediated by a cam, not a differential and is not a true swinging frame design. I also chose to double Harrison's one second 'tick' to two, giving a slower, more hypnotic pendulum effect. This also had the fortuitous advantage of helping our movement conserve the drop necessary for an eight day duration. The idea is to maximize the visual effect of the counter-rotating escape wheels. A design drawing is here. The multiple cocks needed to support the remontoire was eventually cut in half. Click on the photo for videos of the working models.
|
