Our clock of the week is the Antique HOME 50336 Vintage
wall clock. The clock impresses with a modern industrial design, because the metal case suggests a rough, rusty surface. The dial also features an image of an open balance wheel. In this post, learn more about the motif of the open balance wheel and, of course, about our Antique Home clock of the week.
Special feature of the open balance wheel
Balance wheel is the short term for a balance-spring oscillator system, as used in many mechanical watch movements. The oscillator serves as a rate controller for small clocks, especially
wristwatches and pocket watches, but also for alarm clocks,
wall clocks, chronometers, etc. The predecessor of the balance wheel was the verge escapement. The balance wheel oscillates around its axis with a specific oscillation period or frequency, which is determined by the two pivots. In conjunction with the escapement, it ensures the alternating step-by-step stopping and releasing of the gear train, which is driven by the clock’s power source. The step-by-step process is displayed by a motion work connected to the gear train. The idea of using the balance wheel together with a hairspring was developed by Christiaan Huygens following a proposal by Jean de Hautefeuille; in 1675, he was granted a French patent for it.
Our Antique HOME 50336 in industrial design
Our clock of the week, Antique HOME 50336, is a wall clock in an antique or vintage look. In other words, the clock fits perfectly into the currently popular industrial design, which is reminiscent of former factory and industrial buildings. The classic wall clock has a silver-colored metal case that looks like industrial stainless steel. The clock is elongated and vertically oriented, with the dial located in the upper part of the clock. It shows images of an open balance wheel with five gear trains. The largest gear train forms the basis for the black antique hands. Large red Arabic numerals are placed around it. Below the dial, it says "THE MECHANICAL PART DESIGN EXPERT". The background of the dial is checked in gray/silver. The vintage wall clock is protected by glass and a thicker metal frame.
