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That is the nature of English ceremonies... what started off
as something that was a 'bit of a laugh', or 'was a good idea at the time' becomes a hallowed tradition and something of almost reverence. Daft really, but a good excuse in this case to see and wind the clock. I still marvel at the technological achievement from 3 centuries ago.
Thanks
Andrew H
Traditional Peculiarities: Winding the Mostyn Tompion Clock at the British Museum.
In this time of the hyperbol and the sound bite, watch companies make a great deal of the length of time between winding. Despite advances in metallurgy and technology, CAD design, it is difficult to believe that over 300 years ago Thomas Tompion, clockma...
What a great tradition
Thank you so much for sharing this. It really made my evening. Sincerely Damjan P.S. " Not sure what the clock was doing in the royal bedchamber"- maybe the Queen was timing something
Thanks for the kind words. Perhaps the Queen was timing
something! But perhaps the King was timing the phases of the moon (if you get the idea! ). Either way, seems a good time keeper was essential for royal happiness! Thanks again Andrew H
So what's it like to wind?
Thanks Andrew, Great story, tradition and photos. So what's it like to wind? Is that a small crank handle? Does it get more difficult when it is nearly wound, and how long does it really take to fully wind? Fascinating. Andrew
Take a while for it to be wound - hence the number of guests. Each
guest had 'three clicks' on the winding. And there were about 60 to 70 guests (guessing). Winding was very smooth, but then the clock has been restored a number of times and is kept in good running order. Not sure how winding was later on as Greg and myse...
Lucky you!...
...and lucky GregD. His watch, of course, was the perfect piece for the occasion, but you have neglected to mention, Andrew, which piece you carried, or wore. This is meant in a most complimentary way, of course, but five bucks says that this was not an e...
On the contrary! The Tompion clock was the technological
marvel of the age in terms of timekeeping instrument: the clock was the very latest materials and knowledge about clockmaking. While not a racing machine on the wrist, or even the bed chamber, the use of new techniques and metals is certainly in the Richa...
It was a real honour to be there...
very grateful to Andrew for the invite. Only in Britain...
(Psssst, Greg!).....
What watch was Andrew wearing???? Glad you enjoyed the event; very envious. Cheers, pplater.
I think that's a question for Andrew...
but I think it was a youngster in that company - made in the last 75 years
It's in the British Mueseum?
Fantastic post mate....I will have to see it for myself. Truly remarkable timepiece. And what a novel idea to have guest wind the clock at a year end party. Was the clock restored recently? Best, Horo
The clock has been restored on a number of occasions throughout the years.
It is well maintained and on display at the British Museum. Well worth a look. Thanks Andrew H
How many turns are required to wind the clock?
And how many turns are allocated to each person? Interesting post. Thanks. Regards, Richard.
Thanks - each person has three clicks on the turn (about a third of
full turn) and there are about 60 people or so. So about 20 turns for the people in the room; the actual number of turns, I dont know! Andrew H
Oh how I love the Brits...
for their idiosyncratic traditions. What a honour for a true Purist! Best and thanks for the story, Magnus
Wonderful story
Congratulations on being chosen! Looks like one of those one- (or none-) in a lifetime opportunities. Must have been a blast! Thanks for sharing. Best, Gary G
Not sure it was a blast, but definitely interesting and fun!
Hard to believe when winding the clock that it was 300 years old. Thanks for the kind words Andrew H
Blimey !
Andrew, Well, I'll be jiggered. Most gratifying that PuristS were represented amongst the "great and the good" It must be a tribute to the original construction and the loving caretakers 'over the centuries' (how often can one say that?) that the timepiec...
That is the nature of English ceremonies... what started off
as something that was a 'bit of a laugh', or 'was a good idea at the time' becomes a hallowed tradition and something of almost reverence. Daft really, but a good excuse in this case to see and wind the clock. I still marvel at the technological achieveme...
fun!
I have never heard of that clock or tradition, so that was an entertaining and educational read, thanks! I must check this exhibit out the next time I am in London, assuming of course the clock is on regular display. Best Andreas
I think the clock is on regular display - they certainly gave that
impression when we were there. Thanks for the kind words and hope you get to see the clock. Cheers Andrew H