Annual & Special Events
2012 Program Schedule & Italy Tour Information
British Horology Chapter 159 meets three times a year, at the Florida Mid-Winter Regional, at the Southern Ohio Regional and at the National. If you are planning to attend the National or any of the two regionals, be sure to attend our British Horology Chapter 159 meeting.
Florida Mid Winter Regional, February 9-11, 2012
David Grace presented a lecture on the influence of America on English chronometry, titled: “English Marine Chronometry: Is it Time to Stop Rehashing Gould's Book and Rethink the Story?”
Nearly 100 years after the publication of Rupert Gould's classic book, The History and Development of the Marine Chronometer, the story of chronometers almost always is still told using Gould's framework and perspective. As Gould tells the story, England's free-market approach spurred economic competition, which, in turn, led to rapid technological progress. This resulted in English domination of the marketplace for chronometers throughout the era of mechanical timekeeping.
When English chronometer production is placed in a worldwide context and examined from an economic viewpoint, though, a different story emerges. David Grace will examine how the American marketplace influenced English chronometry, and how this changes the overall story of chronometers.
Southern Ohio Regional April 12-14, 2012
Presentation by Richard Newman
A historically significant colonial watch with a wonderful sun and moon dial was discovered in New Hampshire last spring. Richard Newman discussed the maker of this watch, John Wright, who came to America from Liverpool nearly 300 years ago.
67th National Convention June, 13-16, 2012
Pasadena, California
Presented by Dennis Radage
From the introduction of the pendulum into England in 1657, spring clocks evolved at a pace that far exceeded similar clocks on the continent. By 1675, new developments allowed London makers to produce clocks with sophistication and with an accuracy that was to this point unheard of. This was the start of the Golden Age of English clockmaking.
This talk will focus on the English spring clock, from its introduction in the late 1650's through its evolution over the next 200 years. The presentation starts by describing the components and features that define the spring clock, then follows by illustrating the variations through to the early Victorian period.
Special Events
Horology Tour - ITALY!
Since 1998, Chapter 159 has sponsored four European tours. During those tours, participants are able to examine horological items and collections that are open to the public and others that are difficult to arrange or not open for public viewing. Availability for the 2012 Italy tour (September 21 to October 5) is filling up quickly. We are extremely lucky to have Philip Priestly leading the tour which has a wonderful balance of fun, education and sightseeing. This is a one-time opportunity to experience Italian Horology. Contact Jim Nichols at jmn427@aol.com for details.