Small inclined plane gravity clock by Dent

A replica of a 17th century gravity clock, this inclined plane clock by Dent is a smaller version of the more commonly seen model which has a brass & acrylic plane, made in limited numbers in the early 1970s. The wooden base has a tooled leather covered plane, its footprint measuring 60cm x 11cm. It is inset with a brass strip engraved with the days of the week.

The inner mechanism and clock face are weighted to keep them vertical, while the outer rim rotates as the clock drum rolls down the plane. The clock traverses the entire plane over the course of one week. At the end of the week, the clock is lifted and replaced at the top of the plane, preferably on a Sunday. No further winding is necessary.

The movement is cased in a solid brass drum, with ridged edges.

The drum movement is driven by a large counterweight, regulated by a lever platform escapement . It has a brass dial with a sunburst centre and Roman numerals.

Overhauled and guaranteed for 3 years. The price includes delivery within mainland UK.

Dent were highly esteemed names in the English clock-making world in the 1970s and earlier. Established in 1814, they were commissioned to make the Standard Clock at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich which was to keep “Greenwich Mean Time” the time to which all others in the Empire were referred. In 1852, they were awarded the contract to make London’s “Big Ben” clock. They were also awarded a Royal warrants by Queen Victoria, later renewed by Edward VII and George V. A skeleton clock presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in November 2007 can today be found in the Garden Room at Buckingham Palace.