Self winding clock
Title
Self winding clock
Subject
Astronomy
Clocks
Measuring instruments
Clocks
Measuring instruments
Description
Wood, metal, glass
Purchased by the Astronomy Club in 1985 at an estate sale, the clock was missing the dial and door but still retained the wooden case, paper instructions, wires, hands, pendulum, and clock mechanism. In 2011, Dr. Bruce Hannon restored the clock adding a replacement door and dial, and updating the battery connections. During the restoration he discovered the pendulum regulating solenoid was missing. Serial number engraved on the clock mechanism is 112040. Dates to 1917.
Self Winding Company clocks were accurate spring-driven, pendulum regulated, clock. Batteries powered an electromagnetic winding mechanism. In addition, a signal from an external source, usually Western Union telegraphic signals, helped regulate the pendulum keeping the time in synchronization with a standard clock. Western Union received the time signal from the US Naval Observatory. The pendulum movement is accurate to an error less than 1 minute per week, so the Western Union telegraphic signal could correct and eliminate the error.
Purchased by the Astronomy Club in 1985 at an estate sale, the clock was missing the dial and door but still retained the wooden case, paper instructions, wires, hands, pendulum, and clock mechanism. In 2011, Dr. Bruce Hannon restored the clock adding a replacement door and dial, and updating the battery connections. During the restoration he discovered the pendulum regulating solenoid was missing. Serial number engraved on the clock mechanism is 112040. Dates to 1917.
Self Winding Company clocks were accurate spring-driven, pendulum regulated, clock. Batteries powered an electromagnetic winding mechanism. In addition, a signal from an external source, usually Western Union telegraphic signals, helped regulate the pendulum keeping the time in synchronization with a standard clock. Western Union received the time signal from the US Naval Observatory. The pendulum movement is accurate to an error less than 1 minute per week, so the Western Union telegraphic signal could correct and eliminate the error.
Creator
Self Winding Clock Company, New York
Publisher
Astronomy Department, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
Date
circa 1917
Contributor
Michael Svec
Rights
Copyright Michael Svec
Format
still image of artifact
Language
English
Type
physical object
Coverage
University of Illinois Observatory, Urbana, Illinois
Files
Collection
Citation
Self Winding Clock Company, New York, “Self winding clock,” University of Illinois Observatory Collection, accessed April 18, 2024, https://uiobservatory.omeka.net/items/show/60.