Suggestions for next clock build?

[Mike CrossfieldParticipant @mikecrossfield92481]

After a 5-year gap I am ready to build another clock. My last one was a gravity escapement long case regulator based on the Claude Reeves design, which performs very nicely, and keeps time to around a second or so a week.  I now want to build an accurate spring-driven striking clock to sit on my mantelpiece.

Key requirements:

– hour striking

– accurate, so fusee and good escapement design

– 8 day going

– not skeleton

I also want a sleek modern case/dial design to suit my modern house, not a replica of an antique. I can of course design this myself given a suitable movement, but it would be useful to see some contemporary design ideas.

So I am looking for suitable plans, so far without success..

I have explored the web, but not found very much. Most so-called clock plans are just woodwork plans, generally for traditional cases to accommodate bought-in movements.  Ian Cobb’s Clockmaking Brass website is the best source of plans that I’ve so far found, and has one or two possibilities, but there must be more designs out there.

Can anyone suggest a suitable design, and/or a source of plans?

TIA

Mike

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

Why not have a crack at designing your own movement to suit your case style. If you can cope with the Claude Reeve longcase then you are probably on top of the design issues and theory. Mostly it’s a case of borrowing from other designs anyway as far as design approach goes.
I think your main issue is going to be the ‘modern case style’. Pretty much all mechanical clocks are of antique styling so there is nothing much to copy. Plenty of room for your own ideas though.

I would love to see a new clock design emerge so the very best of luck.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Making a prominent feature of the fusee, and whatever maintaining-power device you choose to use, could be a good start.

MichaelG.

.

i.e.__ something likethis, scaled-up:

http://oxfordpocketwatches.blogspot.com/2017/05/fusee-maintaining-power.html

[Clive SteerParticipant @clivesteer55943]

Thomas Mercer made a mantel clock with a spring detent escapement and a clock similar to this was described in a series in the HJ magazine I think in the 80’s but unfortunately I cannot remember who the article was by.

Although this was only a timepiece its design was like a carriage clock so an hour strike mechanism could be added.

Clive S

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

How about a spring powered version of Philip Woodward’s Gearless Clock incorporating striking?

[brickyParticipant @bricky]

What about a Charles Rene Macintosh clock design.

Frank

[lfoggyParticipant @lfoggy]

I’ve just completed a twin fusee striking clock based on plans published by John E Tyler. It is essentially an 18th century English bracket clock design and quite elegant. My clock is updated with ball bearings throughout and other deviations from the published plans. Clock has a recoil escapement but could easily be built with a deadbeat instead. Keeps remarkably good time.

Might be one to consider.

[Mike CrossfieldParticipant @mikecrossfield92481]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Food for thought.

 

Mike

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