“The Congreve” (RH) – Comitti

Description

“The Congreve” (RH)

The table clock “The Congreve” (RH) or Rolling Ball Clock from Comitti London was named after its inventor Sir William Congreve and is very popular with clock collectors. The beautiful original clock was a gift to the Prince of Wales in 1808 and has been a treasured part of the royal collection at Buckingham Palace ever since. Congreve was a prolific inventor who was famous for producing the first solid-fuel rockets at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich in 1805. These were later used in the Napoleonic Wars. It is believed that his clock was created for military purposes and the first “ball” used to trigger the escapement was a musket ball! This makes perfect sense, as the principle of the mechanism is such that the precision is limited to +/- 15 minutes per day.

The Comitti London Congreve, also known as a ball clock, is indeed an impressive collector’s item. The craftsmanship and the use of high-quality materials make it a true work of art. The rhodium-plated 8-day movement with separate dials for hours, minutes and seconds is a technical masterpiece. The way the ball on the inclined rocker drives the movement is fascinating. The glossy lacquered carbon fiber base and crystal glass canopy add to the elegance of “The Congreve” (RH) table clock. With its limited edition and certificate of authenticity, it is undoubtedly a special collector’s item.

Technical data

• Height x width x depth: 35 x 26.5 x 25 cm
• Handcrafted solid brass movement with rhodium-plated 8-day movement
• Carbon base with key compartment
• Mitred cover made of crystal glass to protect the movement
• White lacquered dials and blue lacquered Breguet-style hands show the hours, minutes and seconds separately
• Serial numbered movement with certificate of authenticity
• Customized surface combinations are available on request
• Travel case with mahogany finish
• Weight: 22 kg