Our range of Sea Clocks are inspired by the great John Harrison. In each clock we have embodied at least three of the basic principles from Harrison's first Sea Clocks.
Perhaps his most well known invention is the unique escapement, which gives the clock its popular name, 'The Grasshopper'.
The subtle and almost silent 'lock and release' action of the pallets permits them to work without oil (and consequently be free of the effects of changes in viscosity) and at the same time make it so enduringly fascinating to watch.
The Invar pendulum are linked at the back, which allow the clock to function ‘out of level’. Their gentle action gives each clock that restful quality which is typical of an earlier more tranquil age.
The Astronomer Royal, Edmund Halley (c1656-1742) was a proponent of the Lunar distance method for determining longitude. The observations and calculations required for this method took many hours and were prone to error. The hand painted Moonphase dial (each signed and numbered by the artist) on the Moonphase model symbolises this alternative method.
Our Moophase Sea Clock provides in the Moonphase dial a representation of the competition (Lunar distance method) he faced for the solution to the Longitude problem back in the 18th Century. Each Moonphase dial is hand painted by our artist Keith Warrington, each with a hidden initial and date on each dial.
Almost every piece is made in the workshops of Sinclair Harding using a combination of modern technology, materials and traditional finishing techniques. Every care is taken at each stage in the making and build to ensure that the final clock performs to a standard, which justifies the association with John Harrison.