City Clocks repair, restore and sell clocks and barometers

The popularity of skeleton clocks stems from the Great Exhibition in London 1851. Their appeal was that every detail of the movement was visible, facilitated by the cut away plates and the fine mirror finish of every component. This made them a firm favourite of the Victorians with their enthusiasm for the elaborate and all things mechanical. In reproducing these clocks we have included examples of novel pieces of particular horological interest. Each clock is hand made from solid brass, polished and gold plated. The movements are mounted on mahogany bases and protected by glass covers. The unique quality is reflected in the very small numbers of each model we are able to make each year.

The Grasshopper Clock

The Grasshopper Clock is based on the ‘escapement’ invented by the famous clock maker John Harrison (1693 - 1776). Harrison made the first marine chronometer that made it possible for seafarers to calculate their longitude position by observing the stars. This enabled them to compare the angle of their position with the known angle at a given time in Greenich, London. Examples of his work are exhibited at The Old Royal Observatory. The pendulums are inter-linked so that any motion to one would be compensated for by that same effect on the other. This was particularly important for the operation of such a clock subject to motion, for example the roll of a ship. A beautiful example of the clockmakers art.

Dimensions
H 17" (430mm)
W 11.5" (295mm)
D 8.25" (210mm)

Price
£4,550.00

Ref: S206G

The 8 day movement is fusee-driven, gold plated and protected by a glass cover. The dials are etched and silver plated. The seconds are indicated by the 180* scale above the dial. Availability is limited to 25 pieces worldwide annually.

The "Congreve" Rolling Ball Clock S202G and S203G 3 dial

A favourite of clock collectors, the Rolling Ball Clock was invented by the English scientist Sir William Congreve and patented in 1808. The concept of the clock reflects the aspiration of clockmakers to find an alternative to the pendulum as the escapement regulator. Regulation is achieved by the traverse of a ball along the zig zag grooves on an inclined plane. The ball trips the escapement at the end of each traverse reversing the slope of the platform. The principle of the clock is such that the accuracy of the timekeeping is limited to +/-3 minutes per day. This is not a reflection of the quality of manufacture but the fact that the temperature changes, dust on the track

Dimensions H 14" (360mm) W 11.5" (290mm) D 10.75" (275mm)

Price £3,400.00 Ref: S202G	Price £4,340.00 Ref: S203G

and even static electricity give rise to variations. The eight day movement is fusee-driven, gold plated and protected by a glass cover. The dials are silver plated. The clock is available in two configurations: a single dial version and the original three dial version showing the hours, minutes and seconds separately. Availability is limited to 25 pieces of each worldwide annually.

The Rack Clock
The Rack Clock was invented by the French clockmaker Claude Reignault in the early 1800s. The attraction of the piece is its simplicity. The clock is powered by its own weight, the mechanism being raised to the top of the rack weekly. Great accuracy is achieved because of the constant force of the descending motion which is regulated by a jewelled Swiss platform escapement. Because the movement is enclosed a glass cover is not required. Mahogany base and gold plated.
Dimensions H 24" (610mm) D 11.5 " (290mm)	Price £2,090.00 Ref: S205G

The Great Wheel Skeleton Clock
A copy of an elegant timepiece originally made in France around the 1890s and thereafter made in various formats in England. The apparent simplicity of the design is achieved by omitting a wheel from the more conventional geartrain and making compensating changes in the tooth counts of the remaining gearing. The beauty of the clock is its simplicity. The 14 day movement is fusee-driven, gold plated and protected by a glass cover. Enamel finish dial. Availability is limited to 25 pieces worldwide annually.
Dimensions H 17" (430mm) W 11.5" (295mm) D 8.25" (210mm)	Price £2,935.00 Ref: S200G

The Empire Skeleton Clock
A fine example of the English Skeleton Clock made about 1860 by makers such as J Smith & Sons in London. The 8 day fusee-driven movement is mounted into elegant hand cut scroll plates, gold plated and protected by a glass cover. The mechanism incorporates a “passing strike” which strikes the bell once on the hour. The dial is silver plated and features fine period hands. Availability is limited to 25 pieces worldwide annually.
Dimensions H 17" (430mm) W 11.5" (295mm) D 8.25" (210mm)	Price £2,935.00 Ref: S204G