Manufacture
Nitediver takes readers on an exclusive tour of the Musée international d'horlogerie (MIH) in La Chaux-de-Fonds, focusing on the museum's impressive collection of chronometers and precision pendulum clocks. This installment, Part 5 of his series, highlights the intricate mechanisms and historical significance of these timekeeping marvels. His detailed photographs and descriptions offer a rare glimpse into horological history, making these often-unseen pieces accessible to a broader audience.
Mus é e international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds. – Part 5
Now we are moving to the chronometers and precision pendulum clocks.
Number 10: Chronometer cased in chromed metal. Anker escapement, singed Technicum La-Chaux-de-Fonds, around 1940
Number 11: Chronometer cased in silvered metal. Detent escapment (not sure if this is the right translation, in French it says "détente pivotée" – can anybody confirm or correct me here?)
Breguet Marine Chronometer, sold to the Minister of the French Royal Marine in 1820. On the right side of the dial there is a sector graduated from 0 to 8 indicating the power reserve in days.
Ulysse Nardin Chronometer, around 1957. This chronometer is equipped with an auxiliary electrical contact system, designed to transmit the beat of the seconds to a loud speaker or a measuring device.
Now we are moving to the other side of the exhibition hall. There is wall with precision pendulum clocks, many of them incorporating interesting technical solutions.
Precision regulator with electric winding system. Zenith, Le Locle, around 1940. The weight is raised by means of a Ferraris motor. The indication of the second is assured by an optical system without mechanical contact, which allows the pendulum to be free.
I didn't take any notes about this clock, but it features electrical contacts and an interesting visible escapement. I can't determine what the correct description of the escapement is and would be grateful for any comments.
Time station of the town of La Chaux-de-Fonds. Matthias Hipp, Neuchatel, circa 1876. This mechanical clock controls via electrical contacts a network of public clocks which were placed around the town.
End of Part 5
Stay tuned … more to come during the course of the next few days …
...however it is not quite the same to see them only in pictures, as the movement and sound is the interesting part, really. I guess you have seen the museum before.... Best, Stefan
Can't wait to see your article on automatons, which are just another big weakness of mine. Best, Nicolas
The piece labeled as #10 is awesome. Big fan of the UN ships chronometers as well. Thank you for your efforts!
... a marine chronometer is clearly on my list of future aquisitions....UN would be my favorite, Breguet a dream and a one the british Marine Chrono's a good alterantive. Best, Stefan
...on display at MIH is the following made by James Pellaton. Normal 0 7.8 pt 0 2 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Chronometer with Tourbillon, Movement signed “fabriqué spécialement pour Willy Greaf par James Pallaton DHC 1943. The Tourbillon cage makes one turn per minute. If i am not mistaken, James Pellaton later became the technical director of IWC. Best, Stefan
hi can you please tell me how much should I pay for Zenith Chronometre? Thanks
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