The Wonderful Features Of A Pendulum Clock

Pendulum clock was invented by a Dutch mathematician, physicist, horologist and astronomer, Christiaan Huygens in 1656. This clock came up with the very first method of telling accurate time and dates. This technology also cut down the time loss by clocks from around 15 minutes to 15 seconds each day. Working on the basic principles of physics, it employs potential energy and oscillatory motion and transfers them to kinetic energy at specific intervals. The pendulum inside the clock swings back and forth, drawing the attention of people passing by or visiting the room.

Features of A Pendulum Clock:

Pendulum clocks are stylish and classy and are widely available in modern designs these days but their ancient and antique look always remain in fashion. The grandfather pendulum clock is the most commonly used clock with lots of amazing features; some of which are:

  • Pendulum: It is the mass dangled with a rod.
  • Indicator: The indicator records the number of minutes and hours passed and it also keeps noticing the escapement rotations.
  • Gear Train: It increases the swinging power of the pendulum. It is also known as a wheel train.
  • Escapement: It allows the gear train to move forth uniformly at every swing.
  • Calendar Dials: The role of calendar dial is to show the date, day and month according to the type of clock you own.
  • Repeater: When the knob attached with the clock is pushed down, a repeater displays the hour chimes to you.
  • Moon Phase Dial: This wonderful feature is not commonly available in all pendulum clocks. It shows various phases of moon through painted images present within a spinning disc.

Hence, pendulum clock is considered as one of the most magnificent invention of the seventeenth century. It is a part of our tradition and heritage and is transferred from one generation to another.

Grandfather’s Pendulum Clock

A clock that uses a heavy dangling weight to count its intervals is known as a pendulum clock. The needle of the clock ticks with the swinging of the pendulum, at a fixed rate. This makes such clocks precise as well as accurate. The swinging is directly related to the length of the pendulum and its weight. In ancient times, pendulum clock was taken as the sign of wealth and power. It is often referred to as the grandfather’s clock, due to the long history it has lived.

Invented in 1956, pendulum clocks were the first ever known clocks that showed time with accuracy. Ever since then, they have been used extensively not only because of their precision, but also because of the unique look they give to the room. These clocks are usually large in size and rust brown in color. The appearance gives them an antique look, which increases the overall elegance of your home.

Modern Pendulum Clocks

Many people get annoyed by the sound of the swinging of the pendulum. Due to this reason, it can now be configured so it swings lesser number of times, for example, swing once every three seconds. Pendulum clocks, now come in many shapes and styles, each having different color, size, shape and even the number of pendulums can vary. Many a times, the number of pendulums are three, each one ticking with the three clock needles. Now, many clock makers have mixed the pendulum clock style with the quartz clock, where the pendulum swings with quartz vibrations.

The best part about this clock is that it can be easily repaired if some part gets damaged. Spare parts easily available in the market can make your old clock work perfectly fine. Get a pendulum clock to make history live in your house. It develops a connection with yesteryears and gives you a sense of novelty.