A Showcase Working Clock
The Clockwork Universe theory favored in the 17th century that the Earth and the heavens, and all their motions, were like a giant clock, with God as the Clockmaker. Newton’s three laws of motion and the principle of universal gravitation were thought to be sufficient to explain phenomena of any kind, using mechanical conceptions. At Ugears we love mechanical conceptions! And so with a nod to Isaac Newton, we present the Sky Watcher Tourbillon Table Clock, a fascinating combination of imaginative celestial observatory and functional table clock!
The standout feature of this functional and beautiful wooden model table clock is the rotating tourbillon that sits on top. In wrist and pocket watches a tourbillon mechanism helps increase accuracy by counteracting the effects of gravity when the watch is stationary. By seating the escape and balance wheel within a rotating cage, slight errors in timekeeping introduced by the force of gravity are averaged out. In table clocks and wall-mounted clocks a tourbillon often serves a more decorative purpose. This is true of the Sky Watcher Tourbillon Table Clock from Ugears, where the sphere of the tourbillon has been styled to resemble a large telescope observatory scanning the celestial sphere, like those at Mauna Kea in Hawaii. Perhaps it is creating a map of the heavens? Conducting infrared studies? Or maybe searching for new planets or signs of intelligent life?
The Sky Watcher tourbillon mechanism has three axes of rotation: around the vertical axis of the clock, horizontal axis of the clock, and relative to the central axis of the inner sphere. The wind-up clock operates based on the accumulation of potential energy in a flat spring, and the metered release of this energy. When the model is fully wound it can power the timepiece for approximately 2-3 hours, sufficient for long observation of the mesmerizing mechanism, or to provide a pleasant background ticking clock sound and visual diversion for a period of work or rest. Rather than an all-too-common clock face with hands, we have created additional interest by having the time display placed on reels. The minute reel rotates smoothly with the progress of the tourbillon, while the hour reel marks the passage of time with a percussive mechanism.
Model size: 30.5*18*16.5 cm
Number of components: 338
Estimated time for assembly: 15 hours
Assembling and discovering Ugears models is a smart and engaging hobby for grown-ups and kids of all ages. All Ugears models are made of sustainably sourced wood and require neither glue nor special tools to be fully assembled into functional working models. Also, there is no need for batteries or any external power source as they are powered by rubber bands, gears, cranks and gravity.
Each Ugears model is not just a construction kit but an incarnate IDEA of a PERFECT mechanism. Putting them together, you bring the idea to life.
This model is only one of many that we stock in our Ugears Model Kits range from Ugears Australia. This range is also part of our STEM Engineering & Construction collection, which has even more building kits for you to choose from.
