MOONPHASE SEA CLOCK

Probably the most popular clock in our range of Sea clocks, the Moonphase Sea clock embodies 3 of John Harrison’s basic principles used his original H1. It also provides in the Moonphase dial a representation of the competition (Lunar distance method) he faced for the solution to the Longitude problem back in the 18th Century.

The compound pendulums and Grasshopper escapement are positioned at the front of the clock making the subtle and almost silent “lock and release” of the pallets enduringly fascinating to watch.

Almost every piece is made in the workshops of Sinclair Harding using a combination of modern technology, materials and traditional finishing techniques. Every care is taken at each stage in the making and build to ensure that the final clock performs to a standard, which justifies the association with John Harrison.

Almost all the non moving parts are Gold plated and the whole clock is mounted on a base of your choice into which the key and hand setter are stored, Mahogany is the standard material but other options are Ebony, Walnut, and Marble, if we can get it, you can have it.

Finally the clock is protected by a framed glass shade (not shown) into which holes are provided in the glass allowing the winding to be carried out without having to remove the shade.

Height 45cm (18”)
Width 32cm (12 ½”)
Depth 21cm (8 ¼”)

Power

The clock is wound from the front thro a hole in the glass shade (not shown). Each winding powers the clock for 8 days through a Chain driven Fusee. The chain is hand made in the UK – one of the few parts not made by Sinclair Harding – and is a full 6 feet long. The Fusee is matched to the Swiss made springs and ensures that the clock wheel train see’s a constant torque and ensures that the best timekeeping is achieved.

On winding a pawl acts upon a spring loaded ratchet, this device is know as maintaining power and it provides just enough power to keep the escape wheel turning during each wind.

The Grasshopper Escapement

Designed to operate without any sliding action whatsoever the pallets require no oil, in fact oil would render the escapement useless. The pallets are presented to the escape wheel so that the tips engage exactly into the root of each tooth. Upon engagement the escape wheel recoils, which allow the opposite pallet to disengage and gently fall back onto its pallet spring.
The pallets are made from Aluminium Alloy, selected for its lightweight and durable wear properties.

Pendulums

The Pendulums are linked at the back using a simple pin/slot arrangement. Fine regulation is easily carried out using the pear shaped back bobs, held in place by a lock nut. Both the back and front pendulums are made from Invar, a material with a low coefficient of Thermal expansion, another detail ensuring that a good standard of timekeeping is achieved.

Moonphase Dial

The dial represents the competition for Harrison’s solution to the Longitude problem, namely “Lunar Distances”. Each dial is hand painted by the Artist – Keith Warrington. Runner up in the “Not the Turner Prize” competition run by the Daily Express Newspaper in 2003, the detail Keith manages to produce in each dial is astounding. To give you some idea just take a look at the next full moon and that is what you can expect on your dial.
Keith continues to surprise us adding in Lunar occurrences as they occur and if you wish to have a special dial then a few photographs/sketches supplied with your order will ensure a totally unique and personal time piece is yours for generations to come.