Remontoire Regulator

Intended as an homage to Paul Garnier, this regulator was built as a study of aesthetic and mechanical principles. It was sold in 2002 at Antiquorum, in their "Art of American Horology, Part II" sale, for $14000.usd

Two blocks of green verde marble joined by brass molding support the hump-back-shaped movement. The engraved, silvered brass dial displays center seconds with concentric sculpted blue steel Breguet-style hour and minute hands in a subsidiary dial. The clock has a conventional count wheel strike, striking a bell at hour and half hour.

Dimensions: height 24", width 8.5", depth 5.5"

The 2/3 second pendulum is supported by a substantial bracket screwed to the top of the back plate. The suspension travels in the bracket with knurled adjusting screws for fine beat setting. The pendulum adjusts for temperature differences through Garnier's visually important "dumbbell" system of bimetallic compensation. As the steel rod expands with an increase in temperature, the brass side rods extend further, raising the pivoted compensation weights. The weights can be moved to adjust the compensation. The solid brass beat scale is a separate element, engraved on the pendulum circumference.
The remontoire, which causes the second hand to glide forward every two seconds, is visible through the windows cut away from the back plate.

How the Remontoire Works

Rewinding on each third tick, the arbor which carries the seconds hand has a drive wheel and a 30 tooth locking wheel mounted on the same collet. This locking wheel is held by a blued steel detent. Pivoted on an arbor directly behind the 'scape wheel is a frame, with an adjustable knurled weight. This frame carries an idler gear of the same count as the 'scape pinion. Each advance of the 'scape wheel is powered by a drop of this weight. A steel pin on the frame raises with each drop, and on the third tick lifts the detent, releasing the lower train, rewinding the weight, and advancing the hands. The mass of this partially counterpoised frame avoids the need for a fly with its attendant problems.

 

The visible Graham dead-beat escapement has sapphire jeweled pallets, which are driven by a wheel of 15 teeth. The upper train pivots are jeweled as well, for a total of 10 jewels.

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The Arcadian Clock Co.munro@arcadianclock.com

(908) 276-0276

 

©2012 The Arcadian Clock Co.