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HomeGlossaryTime ball

Glossary · Trade

Time ball

A dropping ball giving a public time signal.

Explanation

Used for ships to check chronometers.

Diagram

Schematic: plate and bridge layout. An outline schematic drawn to show the arrangement of the parts discussed here. It is not a dimensioned working drawing and does not depict a particular maker's calibre.

The Encyclopedia of Horology

A long-term reference archive for pocket watches, mechanical watches, clocks, movements and the history of mechanical timekeeping. Entries carry an editorial status and cited sources; unknown information is recorded as unknown rather than filled in.

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Pocket Watches
Watches
Clocks
Movements
Database
Mechanisms
Escapements

Research

Components
Complications
Makers
Watchmakers
Regions
History
Identification
Collecting
Restoration
Glossary
Library
Museums
Articles

Educational resource. Nothing here is a valuation, an authentication or a guarantee of attribution. Consult a qualified watchmaker before servicing any antique movement.