This book complements available one-make books on domestic synchronous clocks. It is also a history of science book that sets British domestic synchronous clocks, their manufacturers and technology in their social context.

Part I covers the historical background, British domestic synchronous clock manufacturers and brands, how synchronous clocks work, domestic synchronous clock cases, practical advice on the servicing of domestic synchronous clocks, and analysis of the marketing and reliability of British domestic synchronous clocks. This analysis provides an explanation of the rise and eventual fall of their technology. Part II contains galleries of a selection of British domestic synchronous clocks, and of the movements with which they are fitted. There is a front and back view of each clock, together with a brief description. Views of each movement include views with the movement partly dismantled, together with a brief technical description of the movement.

This profusely illustrated book is primarily for fellow enthusiasts, and is based on an extensive archive of information on domestic synchronous clocks, their movements, and their manufacturers. Current electrical regulations mean that professional clockmakers are reluctant to repair synchronous clocks. In fact, provided that they have not been mistreated, synchronous clocks are usually reliable, and quite easy to maintain.

Auteur

Leslie Philip (Les) Pook was born in Middlesex, England in 1935. He obtained a BSc in metallurgy from the University of London in 1956. He started his career at Hawker Siddeley Aviation Ltd, Coventry in 1956. In 1963 he moved to the National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride, Glasgow. In 1969, while at the National Engineering Laboratory, he obtained a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Strathclyde. Dr Pook moved to University College London in 1990. He retired formally in 1998 but remained professionally active in the fields of metal fatigue and fracture mechanics and was a visiting professor at University College London until 2009. He now has more tine to pursue long standing interests in recreational mathematics, including flexagons and in horology, especially synchronous electric clocks. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and a Fellow of the European Structural Integrity Society. Les married his wife Ann in 1960. They have a daughter, Stephanie and a son, Adrian.

Contenu

Preface.- Glossary and Abbreviations.- 1 Introduction.- 1.1 Outline.- 1.2 What is a Synchronous Clock?.- 1.3 Historical Background.- 1.4 AC Mains Supply.- 1.5 User Experience.- References.- Part I Main text.- 2 Manufacturers and Brands.- 2.1 Introduction.- 2.2 Brands.- 2.3 Manufacturers.- References.- 3 How a Synchronous Clock Works.- 3.1 Introduction.- 3.2 Synchronous Motors.- 3.3 Reduction Gear.- 3.4 Striking and Chiming Work.- 3.5 Synchronous Time Switches.- References.- 4 Synchronous Clock Cases.- 4.1 Introduction.- 4.2 Synchronous Clock Case Styles.- 5 Servicing of Synchronous Clocks.- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2 Electrical Faults.- 5.3 Mechanical Faults.- 6 Analysis of Marketing and Reliability.- 6.1 Introduction.- 6.2 Analysis of Marketing.- 6.3 Analysis of Reliability.- 6.4 The Rise and Fall of a Technology.- Part II Galleries.- 7 Gallery of Synchronous Mantel Clocks.- 7.1 Introduction.- 7.2 Alexander Clark Clock.- 7.3 BEM Clock.- 7.4 Camerer Kuss & Co Clock.- 7.5 Clyde Clocks.- 7.6 Ediswan Clock.- 7.7 Elco Clocks.- 7.8 Empire Clock.- 7.9 Ferranti Clocks.- 7.10 Garrard Clocks.- 7.11 Genalex Clocks.- 7.12 Ingersoll Clocks.- 7.13 Liberty Clock.- 7.14 Marigold Clock.- 7.15 Metalair Clock.- 7.16 Metamec Clocks.- 7.17 Riley Clock.- 7.18 Smith Clock, Type 1 Striking Movement.- 7.19 Smith Clock, Westminster Chiming Movement.- 7.20 Smith Clocks, BM7 Movement.- 7.21 Smith Clocks, Bijou Movement.- 7.22 Smith Clock, QAT Movement.- 7.23 Smith Clocks, QEMG Movement.- 7.24 Synchronomains Clock.- 7.25 Temco Clocks, Mark I Movement.- 7.26 Temco Clocks, Mark IV Movement.- 7.27 Temco Clocks, Mark V Movement.- 7.28 Temco Clocks, Smith Movement.- 7.29 Conclusions.- 8 Gallery of Synchronous Bedside Clocks.- 8.1 Introduction.- 8.2 Bowden & Sons Clock.- 8.3 Elco Clock.- 8.4 Ferranti Clocks.- 8.5 Franco British Electrical Co Ltd Clock.- 8.6 GEC Clock.- 8.7 Genalex Clock.- 8.8 Goblin Clock.- 8.9 Kelnore Clock.- 8.10 Magneta Clock.- 8.11 Metamec Clocks.- 8.12 Smith Clocks, Type 1 Movement.- 8.13 Smith Clocks, BM7 Movement.- 8.14 Smith Clocks, Bijou Movement.- 8.15 Smith Clock, QGEM Movement.- 8.16 Sterling Clocks.- 8.17 Synchronomains Clock.- 8.18 Temco Clock, Mark II Movement.- 8.19 Temco Clocks, Mark IV Movement.- 8.20 Temco Clocks, Mark V Movement.- 8.21 Conclusions.- 9 Gallery of Synchronous Wall Clocks.- 9.1 Introduction.- 9.2 English Clock Systems Clock.- 9.3 Genalex Clock.- 9.4 Horstmann Time Switch.- 9.5 Magneta Clock.- 9.6 Metalair Clock.- 9.7 Metamec Clock.- 9.8 Smith Clock, Type 1 Movement.- 9.9 Smith Clock, BM7 Movement.- 9.10 Smith Clocks, BM39 Movement.- 9.11 Smith Clock, Heavy Motion Work Movement.- 9.12 Smith Clocks, Bijou Movement.- 9.13 Synchronome Clocks.- 9.14 Temco Clock, Mark V Movement.- 9.15 Westclox Clock.- 9.16 Conclusions.- 10 Gallery of Synchronous Granddaughter Clocks.- 10.1 Introduction.- 10.2 Ferranti Clock.- 10.3 Smith Clock, Type 1 Chiming Movement.- 10.4 Smith Clock, Type 1 Movement.- 10.5 Temco Clock, Mark IV Movement.- 10.6 Conclusions.- 11 Gallery of Synchronous Movements.- 11.1 Introduction.- 11.2 BEM Movement.- 11.3 Clyde Movement.- 11.4 Elco Movement.- 11.5 Empire Movements.- 11.6 Ferranti Movements.- 11.7 Garrard Movements.- 11.8 Goblin and Magneta Movements.- 11.9 Kelnore Movement.- 11.10 Marigold Movement.- 11.11 Metalair Movement.- 11.12 Metamec Movements.- 11.17 Sangamo Weston Ltd Movement.- 11.13 Smith Movements.- 11.15 Temco Movements.- 11.16 Westclox Type No. BM25 Movement.- 11.17 Conclusions.