Archive for April, 2010

Today it can be easy to be blasé about technology.  Everything is evolving at such a fast rate that before we turn around to appreciate it … it’s gone.  So let’s talk about an invention from the mid-1800’s that is on your watch right now … the Crown.  You know, that little “whozie” on the side that you use to set the time, change the date (if you have that feature), and even wind your watch.  Well it wasn’t always so easy.  At one time you actually needed a key to wind your watch … remember the one that was hanging from your grandfather’s pocket watch chain ?  It wasn’t just decoration.  Or maybe you have a couple family heirloom watches and the keys have been lost, then you really understand.  Of course, not to fret … your watch will still show the correct time twice a day (sorry, I could not resist).  The basic function of the crown is unchanged over the past 200 years and when you start turning it for any function, what goes on inside could be best described as a miracle.  If you want a detailed description check out page 33 of Lucien F. Trueb’s “The World of Watches” or if you want to just discuss all the technicalities with like minded watch enthusiasts go to the forums at WatchUSeek.  Till next time … Happy Winding !!!!!

My watch keeps running how ?  Yes it is a complicated feat to say the least and while every part of watch is critical to keeping accurate time, it would be difficult at best without the thin piece of metal that is the power source in mechanical watches.  That thin strip of metal that keeps curling and unwinding for what seems to be forever is actually and engineering wonder.  Imagine trying to design a strip of metal thin enough but yet elastic enough (not the best quality of any metal) to make sure your timepiece functions accurately all the time.  While it defies imagination in both its simplicity and complexity … there it is, taken for granted right on your wrist.  If you would like more information on the history, structure, and design of mainsprings, click on the following link:Mainsprings.

As we mentioned before, the sundial was a great invention except for the problem of telling what time it is on cloudy days, at night time, or indoors.  If the word “Clepsydra” does not resonate for you, maybe you know it better as a “water clock”.  In its simplest form a “water clock” could be just a pot with a hole for a constant drip.  With a know volume of water placed in the pot, a unit of time was created that was used for activities as far flung as timing lawyers in courtrooms so they didn’t speak too long, doctors measuring a patient’s pulse, to those enterprising folks in the “oldest profession” timing customers stays (if that one gets by you, drop us note and we will give a further explanation).  But as with all instruments of time, the basic design has flaws and man’s creativity comes to the fore.  Ensuring a constant water flow for more accuracy created constant tinkering with designs.  Over the years a variety of ancient water clocks with complications to rival any of today’s timepieces have been developed by many ancient civilizations including those of Egypt, Babylon, India, China, Greco-Roman, and Islamic-Arabic. For more info on water clocks, click on this link:  Clepsydras