- The term "anniversary clock" was copyrighted by Bowler & Burdock Company in 1901, an Ohio clock-making firm. The term had become a popular name for the "400 Day Clock." The 400 Day Clock, with its special torsion pendulum, and was first invented and patented by American Aaron Crane in 1841. However, German clock maker Anton Harder in claimed to have invented the clock in 1879. It is said that he got the idea for his winding mechanism after watching servants light candles on a rotating chandelier.
- The anniversary clock got its descriptive name because it was the first mechanical clock that didn't need daily winding. In fact, the clock's slow torsion pendulum only needed to be wound once a year and couples could do this on their wedding anniversary. They are still popular as wedding gifts, though modern clocks are now battery operated.
- Anniversary clocks are table top clocks in a glass or crystal case that allow you to see its inner workings. They are typically made of brass and have a rotating pendulum with three or four brass balls that whirl like a crazy merry-go-round beneath the clock face. Some clocks have a brass handle on the top. The clocks are often engraved with the happy couple's wedding date.
- The Anniversary Clock is a torsion clock. This means it is a mechanical clock with a spring wound pendulum. The pendulum rotates clockwise and counter-clockwise, instead of swinging right and left. The clock has a weighted disk suspended by a wire that is the torsion spring. As the spring twists it powers the clock's gears. The clock uses much less energy, thus it is able to last as much as 400 days on a single winding. This clock design works much the same way as a watch's balance wheel and hairspring.
- Genuine anniversary clocks with torsion springs are rather delicate, difficult to set up and don't keep very good time. The clockworks can be effected by temperature changes, which play havoc with its delicate springs.
previous post
next post