Complication · Striking & chiming
Carillon Striking
Partially verifiedStriking work sounding a melody on three or more gongs or bells.
Definition
Striking work sounding a melody on three or more gongs or bells.
Historical origin
Developed for clocks and later adapted to watches; melodic quarter striking became a domestic clock standard in the nineteenth century.
How it works
Additional hammers and gongs allow a melodic sequence rather than a simple count.
A chime barrel or a programmed cam sequence sets the order in which hammers fall.
Pocket watch context
Found in the most elaborate pocket watches, usually combined with repeating work.
Wristwatch context
A high complication in wristwatches, requiring three or more gongs within limited case volume.
Identification
- Three or more gongs or bells
- A recognisable melody rather than counted blows
Servicing notes
This is specialist work. Levers, springs and cam profiles in complicated work are calibre-specific, and incorrect reassembly commonly damages parts that cannot be bought. Refer the movement to a watchmaker experienced with this mechanism.
General guidance only. Complicated mechanisms should be assessed and serviced by a qualified watchmaker or clockmaker specialist, not adjusted at home.
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
- de Carle, D., Watch and Clock Encyclopedia
- Britten, F. J., Old Clocks and Watches and Their Makers
- Horological Journal (British Horological Institute), technical articles
Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.