The opportunity to purchase something unusual and unique has always been a prominent feature of classical craftsmanship. A fine example of this is the rhodium-plated clock NL 500.
Seconds beating pendulum clock with special technical details
At first glance, the longcase clock NL 500 RH is an elegant seconds beating pendulum clock which is persuasive through its fine technical detail and its contemporary yet conservative lines of its case. Upon opening the front door and looking closer into the perfectly finished mechanics of the movement, significant differences of traditional movement designs are evident.
Two weights in a longcase clock are normally indicating the presence of a strike mechanism – but in this particular clock it is not so! It is also notable that the movement is symmetrical and of clean structured design. During assembly even the arms of the wheels are aligned to each other by the assembling clockmaker.
Both weights are used to drive only the ‘going’ train. Each weight drives an independent wheel train and at the second main wheel they combine to a single gear wheel up to the special Matthias Naeschke escapement. This unique construction was necessary to make the longcase clock NL 500, a long runner with a power reserve of over four years.
This clock is a real horological masterpiece that requires extensive experience in dealing with wheels and optimum power transmission. 12 precision ball bearings on the drive and 4 rubies on the escapement reduce the power loss to significantly less than 5%.
A milestone in the history of clockmaking
Thus, the longcase clock NL 500 is absolutely unique in the world of mechanical clocks for complementing any well-furnished living spaces. This is reflected also in the number produced. Each year only a few of this clock category leave our workshop. Each piece is individually numbered and as well some are further refined according to individual customer requests. The clock model NL 500 – as conceived in our manufactory - will go down as a milestone in the history of European clockmaking.
Technical features of the longcase clock NL 500 RH
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 (except the gilded wheels) rhodium plated
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 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.
