Article Hive: The Rise and Popularity of Regulator Clocks

	Tweet

Invented in the 18th century, regulator clocks or sometimes called pendulum clocks were created to assure accurate timekeeping. These clocks have devices which are weight-driven features a whacked escapement and removed calendars, one of the complicated features of clocks today, in order to assure the accuracy.

This kind of clock was invented by two of the brilliant minds in clock invention, James Harrison and Benjamin Vulliamy, Englishmen. Notwithstanding the fact that these clocks were invented by Englishmen, these clocks were not fully accepted in England because of some doubts on its mechanisms. However, in Vienna, these regulator clocks gained its glorious reputation. Because of the reputation it gained for the reason of its accuracy, these clocks were regularly used in areas where the general public could use, such as the train stations, libraries, and government offices. Thus, these regulator clocks had grown its popularity over Vienna, and furthermore created Viennese Regulator clocks.

Roughly in 1800-1835 or most commonly called as the Empire Period, most of the regulator clocks in Vienna are commonly made of wood, which was either gilded or polished. These clocks have boxes which are stacked on top of the other, usually have three boxes. The highest part of the box accommodates the movement of the clock and is restricted by a roof. While the weights of the clock are hang down in the middle of the case. And the pendulum swings at the bottom of the case.

In 1835-1848, or referred to as the Biedermeier period, was believed to be a conservative period for Vienna because the regulator clocks mirrored their sternness. They come in simple styles and designs. Unlike the regulator clocks during the Empire period where the mechanisms were housed in three boxes, the clocks during this period had two cases. The top housed the face of the clock and the movement while the lower portion housed the pendulum and the weights. These clocks were considerably sophisticated but were rigid in their styles.

The Viennese Revolt in 1848 has caused the expansion of the middle class which made these opulent regulator clocks more available to greater portion of the public. After years of artistic subjugation, the well off Viennese learned to embrace Renaissance, Gothic and Greek designs.

In 1850s, regulator clocks persisted to become more and more complex, which means that these regulator clocks became fancier because of added intricate design details to the casings, more designs for the pendulum rods, and beautifully polished rings of brass, thus made them more popular especially for antique aficionados.

Today, these regulator clocks are still considered most beautiful and most ornate. Finding a years-old regulator clock could be hard to locate these days. If you come across these authentically old regulator clocks, you might consider this as a huge investment. Since these are already considered antique items, their value come with a huge price. However, these hard to find clocks would not only make your homes aesthetically beautiful but also add sophistication and elegance, plus gives you accurate time.