Chapter 168 + Electric Horology Course

Members of Chapter 72 Electrical Horology course and Chapter 168 Torsion clocks had a joint meeting to explore overlaps of the two genres. 19 members had some fun with Doug Minty covering the history and aspects of electrics and Linday Bramall on the "true" torsion electric clock - the Tiffany series. A very important safety message was impressed on the group ad that is the danger of working with 240 Volt clocks which no longer comply with current regulation - cut the cord off to avoid family or others experience "One flash and you're ash!"

Brian Root hosted a meeting in his garage with Rod Elliot showing some of his new developments in rewinding 240 volt ac to 16volt ac synchronous clocks. This preserves most of the clock and makes it much safer. The final meeting in this short course which comprised 9 sessions over the year was simply show and tell and a bit of on hands work to get some clocks working. Two Poole clocks were got going, an Australian made Synchronous clock inspected plus a very rare American clock Co four glass regulator exhibited.

This years short course can be considered a successful endeavour for the chapter. The group was limited to a dozen interested souls with a 90% attendance record.

There will be three meetings in 2009 of the electrical Horology Group where any member can express an interest in attending. It is not a rerun of the 2008 course but a follow up which will cover specific electric clocks, like Hettich, Junghans ATO etc.

Anybody interested should email Graham Mitchell at aussieclocks@gmail.com

Part of the common interest group having a very interesting discussion on the joint topic of mechanical and electrical versions of torsion clocks.	Two early examples of Tiffany clocks before the name change to avoid clashes with the famous Tiffany Company. The one on the left is a double contact model, making use of each swing.	Father and son new members show a clear fascination with these clocks	The art deco design shows how attractive electric clocks can be	Each meeting had free discussion periods where problems were "nutted out" and views shared
The Teasmade was one of the most popular wedding gifts in the 1950's. Many have survived a short period of popularity and have become collectors novelty item.	These Teasmades can be restored used as a clock or simply a discussion piece.	This American Clock co. clock is unusual in that it has a French made four glass case with an American movement. The Company only existed for a few years around 1900 so this is quite a rare example.	Close-up of the movement of this unusual clock	This arrangement shows a first attempt at building an earth battery for a Bentley clock. 2 1/2 kg of zinc is surrounded by a copper sheet embedded about 200mm into moist soil. However only 1/4 volt was obtained, not the 1 volt needed
These are 2 electric torsion clock models made by Schatz. They were quicly superseded by quartz movements but have become interesting as part of the electrifying of time.	A close look at the Tiffany neverwind and how it works.	Operation of these clocks is not intuitive, despite their apparent simplicity.	Two more Tiffany examples.