The most complex clock built in our lifetime

[lfoggyParticipant @lfoggy]

The September issue of The Horological Journal carries a detailed description of "The Astronomical Skeleton Clock" conceived by the American collector Mark Frank and built by Buchanan of Chelmsford. The clock has been described as the most complex clock built in our lifetime, and if you watch the YouTube video below you will probably agree with this assessment. Utterly amazing.

Anyone interested in horology needs to look at this.

**LINK**

[lfoggyParticipant @lfoggy]

[Tony Pratt 1Participant @tonypratt1]

Complex isn't good

Tony

[lfoggyParticipant @lfoggy]

Posted by Tony Pratt 1 on 25/09/2021 13:34:36:

Complex isn't good

Tony

'Complications' are generally regarded as an attribute in horology, reflecting the imagination and skill of the constructor. Next you will be pointing out that the same outputs can be achieved more accurately with a cheap microprocessor…..

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Maybe amazing, but in my opinion very ugly. What's the point of all those complications when they show things that one has no immediate interest in or use for? Clocks should tell the time, accurately, and at a quick look. Look at Clock B at Greenwich, or indeed many of Martin Burgess' other clocks, for real elegance.

[Tony Pratt 1Participant @tonypratt1]

Posted by lfoggy on 25/09/2021 13:44:31:

Posted by Tony Pratt 1 on 25/09/2021 13:34:36:

Complex isn't good

Tony

'Complications' are generally regarded as an attribute in horology, reflecting the imagination and skill of the constructor. Next you will be pointing out that the same outputs can be achieved more accurately with a cheap microprocessor…..

Well the thought did cross my mind but I am too polite to voice it, this is from someone who has spent his whole life in precision engineering & I do appreciate the skills involved.

Tony

[CalumParticipant @calumgalleitch87969]

In the context of hobby engineering, the question "why" is not a valid one.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Calum Galleitch on 25/09/2021 14:31:25:

In the context of hobby engineering, the question "why" is not a valid one.

.

MichaelG.

[egaParticipant @ega]

Posted by Tony Pratt 1 on 25/09/2021 13:34:36:

Complex isn't good

Tony

In the heyday of the 750 Motor Club someone built an Austin Seven special called Simplicity; a rival called Complexity then emerged. Or it may have been the other way round.

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi, well I'm not into horology, but I do like clocks and if your the sort that is known as a clockwhatcher, then you might miss whatever you are watching the clock for if you are watching this one, seems to be something different happening every moment or so. I don't agree that it is ugly, in fact I think it is quite elegant, but, I don't think I've got the time to make another one like it though.

I've taken many machines apart that take a couple of days, just to replace a worn out part and then another couple of days to put the machine back again, hate to think how long it would take to replace something in the middle of this clock.

Regards Nick.

[Ady1Participant @ady1]

Mad Max clock

[Rik ShawParticipant @rikshaw]

I stand in awe at the skill and imagination of the maker/s. What a fantastic work of art ! I could no more criticise this clock than fart in church.

Rik

[Roger BestParticipant @rogerbest89007]

A wonderful piece of art and engineering.

For the record i am going to stick with steam engines.

Simple ones!

[lfoggyParticipant @lfoggy]

Posted by John Haine on 25/09/2021 14:01:17:

Maybe amazing, but in my opinion very ugly. What's the point of all those complications when they show things that one has no immediate interest in or use for? Clocks should tell the time, accurately, and at a quick look. Look at Clock B at Greenwich, or indeed many of Martin Burgess' other clocks, for real elegance.

You are entering some treacherous philosophical territory here. What's "the point" of building a model of an obsolete steam locomotive and chuffing aimlessly around a small circular track ? As has been said, asking why is not really a valid question in this context….

[Mick B1Participant @mickb1]

Posted by Michael Gilligan on 25/09/2021 14:38:03:

Posted by Calum Galleitch on 25/09/2021 14:31:25:

In the context of hobby engineering, the question "why" is not a valid one.

.

MichaelG.

Yes it is.

However "because I wanted to, and I could" is a legitimate and sufficient answer.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Fair comment, Mick

MichaelG.

[J HancockParticipant @jhancock95746]

Try Zimmer Tower Lier Belgium if you want to know the time, anywhere in the universe !

All made by one 'watchmaker'.

[Author]

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