VR-542 Provincial Vienna Regulator with Sweep Second
When I look at a Vienna I focus on finding the bits and bobs that make the mechanism unique - that make it stand out from the norm. It is clocks like this one, with its numerous departures from the Viennese norm, that makes my life most interesting. Even better when the case is in excellent condition, and quite striking.
As you can see from the number of photo - this clock has a number of easily-discerned unusual attributes - take the pendulum adjustment nut - with its delicate pointer, engraved adjustment scale, and unusual shape and size. Or, the perfectly made, but oh so small (think 1/4 inch) weight line hook on the mechanism front plate. Or the pierced pendulum top hanger, the hand-crafted pendulum crutch slot, the mechanism mounting screws, with their double rows of knurled ridges (makes me think I am seeing double), the unusual extension to the back of the case for the mechanism mount, the rather massive and beautifully executed pulley: Even the weight is unusual with the sensuous hook atop a domed cover.
The unknown master who made this seconds-beating regulator showed his skill both in the finesse with which he made the parts, as well as the technical expertise required to produce a sweep-second clock. As would be expected, the clock has maintaining power. With its significant size, and obvious focus on quality, one has to wonder if we are looking at a regulator that at one time graced a train terminal or similar position which required both the visibility and the precision for which Vienna Regulators are so justly recognized. I think the mechanism photo’s speak for themselves - the quality of the clearly hand-made screws, the very precise 6-crossed wheels, tapered plates, cast bridges... With my fetish for fine mechanisms, this piece truly talks to me. Hopefully I will get a chance to clean this one.
So, where was this piece made? Well, clearly not in Vienna - where clockmakers were required to produce pieces that did not disturb the status quo. While this maker was clearly trained to produce quality that would exceed the standard of Vienna, the numerous individualistic quirks I have pointed out above tell us he had to make his own bits, he did not have access to the ready-made pulleys, hooks, hands, weights, dials, and all the other parts that Viennese craftsmen took for granted. To my eyed I would guess Prague, perhaps Budapest...
The case is in excellent condition, with beautifully grained and patterned walnut veneer and some of the largest and finest finials that I have seen. I especially like the impact the contrasting, ebonized door columns have on this clock - making it seem more elegant somehow. Long, slender, stately, I can see this piece in a station, regulating a generations lives as they rush to catch their train. And, as befits such a wonderful mechanism, the case has a locking door, and furring strips around the glass.
Read MoreAs you can see from the number of photo - this clock has a number of easily-discerned unusual attributes - take the pendulum adjustment nut - with its delicate pointer, engraved adjustment scale, and unusual shape and size. Or, the perfectly made, but oh so small (think 1/4 inch) weight line hook on the mechanism front plate. Or the pierced pendulum top hanger, the hand-crafted pendulum crutch slot, the mechanism mounting screws, with their double rows of knurled ridges (makes me think I am seeing double), the unusual extension to the back of the case for the mechanism mount, the rather massive and beautifully executed pulley: Even the weight is unusual with the sensuous hook atop a domed cover.
The unknown master who made this seconds-beating regulator showed his skill both in the finesse with which he made the parts, as well as the technical expertise required to produce a sweep-second clock. As would be expected, the clock has maintaining power. With its significant size, and obvious focus on quality, one has to wonder if we are looking at a regulator that at one time graced a train terminal or similar position which required both the visibility and the precision for which Vienna Regulators are so justly recognized. I think the mechanism photo’s speak for themselves - the quality of the clearly hand-made screws, the very precise 6-crossed wheels, tapered plates, cast bridges... With my fetish for fine mechanisms, this piece truly talks to me. Hopefully I will get a chance to clean this one.
So, where was this piece made? Well, clearly not in Vienna - where clockmakers were required to produce pieces that did not disturb the status quo. While this maker was clearly trained to produce quality that would exceed the standard of Vienna, the numerous individualistic quirks I have pointed out above tell us he had to make his own bits, he did not have access to the ready-made pulleys, hooks, hands, weights, dials, and all the other parts that Viennese craftsmen took for granted. To my eyed I would guess Prague, perhaps Budapest...
The case is in excellent condition, with beautifully grained and patterned walnut veneer and some of the largest and finest finials that I have seen. I especially like the impact the contrasting, ebonized door columns have on this clock - making it seem more elegant somehow. Long, slender, stately, I can see this piece in a station, regulating a generations lives as they rush to catch their train. And, as befits such a wonderful mechanism, the case has a locking door, and furring strips around the glass.