Clock type · Precision
Constant Force Regulators
Partially verifiedRegulators featuring a remontoire to ensure a constant force reaches the escapement.
Movement & mechanism
- A small spring or weight (remontoire) is rewound by the main train
- The remontoire provides a constant impulse to the pendulum
- Isolates the escapement from variations in the main gear train
Identification
- Small secondary spring or weight visible near the escapement
- Jump-seconds or periodic rewinding motion
- Extreme precision and technical complexity
Terminology
- Remontoire
- Constant force
- Gravity remontoire
Known variations
- Spring and gravity remontoire versions
Collecting notes
Condition and originality are paramount. For technical clocks like regulators or atmospheric clocks, the completeness of the original mechanism is more important than case condition. For decorative clocks (Boulle, Empire), the quality of the case craft is central.
Related photographs
No confidently matched photograph of this subject has been found yet. These photographs show a closely related record, and are not examples of the type described on this page.
Sources & references
- Britten, F. J., Old Clocks and Watches and Their Makers
- Loomes, B., The Early Clockmakers of Great Britain
- Roberts, D., British Skeleton Clocks
- Museum catalogue records
Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.