If you think Harrison was amazing, look up the Antikythera machine. Definitely a example of extremely competent workmanship from a long time ago. Skills, to make astonishingly precise mechanisms, have been around for a long time.

Edited By not done it yet on 17/05/2019 20:45:27

It's worth noting that Harrison's first clocks [before the Longitude competition] were made mostly from wood.

This is a good place to start: **LINK**

The man was undoubtedly a genius

MichaelG.

.

Concerning Such Mechanism: 

http://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-ZAA-00883/1

and [mercifully] here is an 'accessible translation'

http://www.hsn161.com/HSN/HeskinCSM.pdf

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 17/05/2019 22:27:51

I understand that Harrison is also credited with making caged ball bearings for his sea-going chronometers, all in the interests of reducing frictional losses as much as possible.

The man was well ahead of his time

Brian

Its some years ago — quite some years ! But I visited Greenwich and all Harrisons clocks were on display and running, defiantly worth a visit.

I believe Mr Harrison used several watch & clock makers of the time to assist with making certain parts for has clocks and the final clock was a "giant" size pocket watch design. The powers of the time in the Admiralty resisted him at almost every turn and did not want to accept such humble man could solve the problem — but he did !

John

And now, it's often cheaper to buy a new watch rather than change the battery. My own has a photo cell built into the dial so just needs a sun boost to keep running and a radio beacon to ensure its accuracy.

Wonder what John would have thought of that?

Sad his son received the final part of the "Prise" (!) money after his fathers death.

Regards Ian.