Four-year clock is a physical and technical achievement
Why are we always seeking new challenges? Sounding out the frontiers of physics and translating the results into harmonious objects is without question a wondrous task. The fascination of mechanics really begins on its boundaries. It is usually a question of the boundaries of stability, of the largest and the tiniest of forces, of miniaturization or of the greatest or the slowest of movement. Venturing into realms such as these was always the great challenge for clockmakers. A typical case of this was the one-year precision clock, which was invented 150 years ago.
However, one challenge that had never been accomplished was to design a four-year clock. Far beyond the efficiency this provides, this clock is an expression of our times. It needs very little care or attention. It will prompt its owners daily to think about their relationship to time. The development of this four-year clock is based on our accumulated experience of building over 75 one-year clocks. The result is an extremely robust and durable clock with remarkably beautiful and harmonious design. Such a clock design is unique today.
Longcase clock with four year reserve
The enormous reserve required by this clock was the biggest challenge for us. Here, seven wheels run in ruby or ball bearings between 6mm brass plates. Two independent main and intermediate wheels transmit their power to a common third intermediate wheel. This construction, which was devised in our workshop, permits the use of normal clock wheels, even for the great wheel and thus the energy needed is halved. This is the basic concept behind our four-year clock.
For the escapement, we have again used the proven dead beat escapement with ruby pallets. The precision of the craftsman’s skills is taken to extremes in this clock: every single escape wheel is very finely balanced in a special device. Any imbalance in the wheel is eliminated by means of fine vertical drill holes at the base of the teeth. The regulator has a compensation pendulum which was also developed by us. In the interim it has been successfully used in various different clocks of our range. Three different materials work together in this 5-rod compensation pendulum.
Fine highlights in any environment
The case is very sturdy and able to withstand the great forces and weights involved. It is made of dark stained cherrywood, but still looks light and delicate. Silver strips surround the three faceted glass panes. The clock conveys an impression of timelessness but at the same time is stylistically reflects the French Empire period.
Technical features of the longcase clock NL 500 GG
Clockwork
Matthias Naeschke caliber 500
Power reserve 1500 days (4 years)
Weight drive with pulley
Skeletonized main plates of 6 mm brass and 6 solid pillars
All brass parts are mirror polished and gilded
Pinions and arbors hardened and polished
Dead-beat “Naeschke” escapement with round ruby pallets
Compensation pendulum beating seconds
12 precision ball bearings, 6 ruby bearings
Indication
Hand-engraved chapter ring of 1.5 mm sterling silver
Flame-blued hands
Balanced minutes hand
Special feature: seconds indication directly on the escape wheel
Clock case
Cherry wood with a special “Matthias Naeschke” dark stained satin varnish
Despite the dark varnish, the wood structure is still visible
Different wood types and colours are available
Glass frames in gold or silver colour
3 bevelled glasses
Optionally available is a bevelled glass in the lower part of the case
Dimensions
Height x width x depht: 205 x 40 x 22 cms
Variations
We offer different possibilities for individualization. The movements can be refined in yellow gold, rhodium or rose gold. The wooden cases can be adapted to existing interior fittings.
