British Domestic Synchronous Clocks 1930-1980: The Rise and Fall of a Technology (History of Mechanism and Machine Science)

Les Pook

ISBN 10: 3319359150 / ISBN 13: 9783319359151

Published by Springer, 2016

About this Item

reprint edition. 268 pages. 9.25x6.10x0.63 inches. In Stock.

Seller Inventory # __3319359150

Bibliographic Details

• Title: British Domestic Synchronous Clocks 1930-1980: The Rise and Fall of a Technology (History of Mechanism and Machine Science)
• Publisher: Springer
• Publication Date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3319359150
• ISBN 13: 9783319359151
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Brand New
• Weight: 0.56 kilograms

About this title

Synopsis

This book complements available one-make books on domestic synchronous clocks. It is also a history of science book that sets British domestic synchronous clocks, their manufacturers and technology in their social context.

Part I covers the historical background, British domestic synchronous clock manufacturers and brands, how synchronous clocks work, domestic synchronous clock cases, practical advice on the servicing of domestic synchronous clocks and analysis of the marketing and reliability of British domestic synchronous clocks. This analysis provides an explanation of the rise and eventual fall of their technology. Part II contains galleries of a selection of British domestic synchronous clocks and of the movements with which they are fitted. There is a front and back view of each clock, together with a brief description. Views of each movement include views with the movement partly dismantled, together with a brief technical description of the movement.

This profusely illustrated book is primarily for fellow enthusiasts and is based on an extensive archive of information on domestic synchronous clocks, their movements and their manufacturers. Current electrical regulations mean that professional clockmakers are reluctant to repair synchronous clocks. In fact, provided that they have not been mistreated, synchronous clocks are usually reliable, and quite easy to maintain. 

About the Author

Leslie Philip (Les) Pook was born in Middlesex, England in 1935. He obtained a BSc in metallurgy from the University of London in 1956. He started his career at Hawker Siddeley Aviation Ltd, Coventry in 1956. In 1963 he moved to the National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride, Glasgow. In 1969, while at the National Engineering Laboratory, he obtained a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Strathclyde. Dr Pook moved to University College London in 1990. He retired formally in 1998 but remained professionally active in the fields of metal fatigue and fracture mechanics and was a visiting professor at University College London until 2009. He now has more tine to pursue long standing interests in recreational mathematics, including flexagons and in horology, especially synchronous electric clocks. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and a Fellow of the European Structural Integrity Society. Les married his wife Ann in 1960. They have a daughter, Stephanie and a son, Adrian.