Clock type · Precision
Regulator Clocks
VerifiedPrecision pendulum clocks built to keep the most accurate time practically achievable, used by clockmakers, observatories and institutions as a timekeeping standard rather than for domestic display.
Movement & mechanism
- Deadbeat escapement (rather than recoil anchor) to minimise disturbance of the pendulum
- Temperature-compensated pendulum (mercury or gridiron) in high-grade examples
- Minimal or absent striking work, since the purpose is accuracy rather than convenience
- Often a separate dial layout with the seconds hand made especially prominent, hours and minutes subordinate
Identification
- Regulator (subsidiary) dial layout — large seconds ring with small hour and minute subdials — is a strong identifying feature
- Deadbeat escapement construction, visible on inspection of the escape wheel and pallets
- Mercury jar or gridiron pendulum rod indicating temperature compensation
Terminology
- Deadbeat escapement — an anchor-type escapement with no recoil, developed by George Graham
- Regulator dial — the characteristic subsidiary-dial layout used on precision regulators
- Master clock — a regulator used to synchronise subordinate (slave) clocks
Known variations
- Vienna regulator (see separate entry)
- Observatory regulator
- Workshop/turret-setting regulator
Collecting notes
Signed regulators by known workshop or scientific-instrument makers are a respected collecting field distinct from decorative domestic clocks, valued primarily for horological rather than decorative merit.
Photographs
Photographs are illustrative examples of the type, not necessarily the exact object described. Verify details against the source file page.
Sources & references
- Britten, F. J., Old Clocks and Watches and Their Makers
Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.