Complication · Striking & chiming
Decimal Repeater
Partially verifiedA repeater that strikes ten-minute intervals instead of quarters.
Definition
A repeater that strikes ten-minute intervals instead of quarters.
Historical origin
A modern alternative to the traditional quarter repeater, considered more intuitive for decimal-time thinkers.
How it works
Strikes the hours, then the number of ten-minute intervals, then the remaining minutes.
Uses a different snail geometry to count to ten rather than four for the middle sequence.
Pocket watch context
Very rare; most historic repeaters followed the duodecimal/quarter system.
Wristwatch context
Produced by makers like Voutilainen and A. Lange & Söhne.
Identification
- Two tones: high for units, low for hours, and a combination for tens
- Ten-minute strike count
Servicing notes
Specialist work similar to minute repeaters.
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.