Overview
A mechanical clock is one of the few machines where you can watch energy being spent, one controlled release at a time. A wound spring wants to unwind all at once. The escapement refuses, letting it go in measured beats. That argument between the spring and the escapement is what we hear as tick-tock.
In this workshop you go past the theory and build a working mechanical clock at the bench, guided by a horology expert. You will be working with a spring driven, pendulum regulated movement made in India, with brass plates and open gearing, so every part is large enough to see, hold and understand without a loupe. We start with how mechanical timekeeping developed and how a movement works, then move to assembly. The clock you build is yours to take home.
Who Is This For
Anyone curious about how mechanical things work. No horology or engineering background needed. Bring patience and steady hands.
What You Will Learn
- The story of mechanical timekeeping, from early clocks to modern movements
- How energy travels from the mainspring to the hands
- The anatomy of a movement: gears, wheels, pinions, arbors, mainspring, escapement and pendulum
- The gear train, and how wheels transfer and regulate motion
- The escapement, and how it releases energy in precisely controlled increments
- The pendulum, and how oscillation sets the rate of the clock
- Assembly techniques for fitting components into a functioning movement
- Lubrication and handling, and why both matter in a mechanical movement
- Putting a clock in beat, so the escapement runs correctly with an even tick-tock
What's Included
- Complete mechanical clock kit, yours to take home
- All tools and bench setup
- Guidance from a horology expert through the full build
- Workshop handbook
- Refreshments through the day
Moments from Our Last Workshop
