How to Make a Weight-driven Clock

For many centuries, a falling weight has been used as an energy source to drive mechanical clocks. It is a versatile and constant force that has been used to power clocks, from the great cathedral clocks of the world to precision timekeepers, astronomical regulators, the longcase clock and many designs of wall clock. This comprehensive and detailed book describes the function of the parts of a weight-driven clock, before accompanying you on the journey to making your own. There are many components that need to be made and skills to be mastered to make a weight-driven clock movement. This book will enable you make all the parts required, including the plates and pillars, and show you how to cut the wheels and pinions. From there, you will make the barrel assembly, pallet and hour wheel bridges, pallet, pallet arbor and the crutch. Finally, the pendulum and the pulley are made before the clock movement is ready to be assembled and operated. With over 400 photographs, showing every stage of the build, and over 100 technical drawings, covering the construction of the movement, this book is a practical step-by-step guide to making your own weight-driven clock movement.

Richard Simmonds MBHI began his career as an apprentice in 1983. He worked for two local companies before forming his own company in 1994, which became Simmonds Clockmaking Limited in February 2014. He lives and works in Norfolk as a professionally qualified horologist, designing and making new mechanical clocks in addition to being a repairer and conservator, working for private individuals, institutions and companies, both in the UK and overseas. He is proud to continue the traditional skills of professional clockmaking, repairing and conserving our horological heritage.