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The Art of the Impossible — Animating Time, 2015
John Redfern created this video to showcase the art of watch animation.
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The Verge Escapement
The first escapement, it allowed the development of mechanical clocks. (2 animations)
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The Anchor Escapement
The escapement that significantly improved timekeeping accuracy and is still in use today. (2 animations)
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Tompion 144
Tompion 144, noted for its age, repeating mechanism and fine workmanship, but also for the secret catches used to secure the movement within the case.
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The Harrison Timekeepers H1, H2, H3 and H4
Harrison was one of the great innovators, building a clock accurate enough to determine a ship’s longitude even in unpredictable conditions at sea. (6 animations)
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Mudge — Constant-Force Escapement, c. 1774
“An exquisite design… theoretically a very perfect one.” (Rupert T. Gould).
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Arnold and Earnshaw — Spring Detent Escapement, 1782
Arnold simplified Harrison’s concept, making it cheaper and quicker to manufacture; Earnshaw improved it further. (2 animations)
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Santa Barbara — The Courthouse Clock
The mechanics of the tower clock in Santa Barbara, California, are modelled on London’s Big Ben.
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Patek Philippe Museum
The Patek Philippe Museum opened in Geneva in 2001; it contains a major collection of many of the finest clocks, watches and automata known. (7 animations)
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Charles Frodsham & Co. — The Double Impulse Chronometer Wristwatch
Charles Frodsham & Co, founded in the 19th century, is the longest continuously trading firm of chronometer manufacturers in the world.
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The Newcomen Pumping Engine
Newcomen engines did much to launch the Industrial Revolution. They were in use from 1712 until at least 1901.