Thematic Auction in Geneva:The Evolut...
Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Nov 16, 2002
LOT 267
Time-Flow ClockBernard Gitton, 1980s.Very rare and unusual pendulum water clock.
CHF 20,000 - 30,000
EUR 13,000 - 20,000
Sold: CHF 57,500
C. The clock consists of system of glass pipes through which colored fluid (half-half non-ionized water and methyl alcohol) flows. The level of the water in the left pipe indicates the hours, in the right the minutes. The water is pumped from lower container in the base to the top by electric pump. The precision of the flow is controlled by long pendulum (2.222 sec period) driven by the water, with ball suspension and a system of valves and siphons.Dim. Height 2.7 meters
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Case: 2 |
Very good |
Movement: 2* |
Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2 |
Very good |
Notes
The precision of the clock is quite remarkable. Although, the flow rate from the top container to the "spoon" connected to the pendulum can vary as much as 0.6 cm3/second the rate of the clock is constant.Bernard Gitton has built a number of these clocks varying in sizes, the largest being 8.7 meters, now in Portugal. Some of his clocks are in Museums, such as the National Museum of Natural Science in Taiwan, National Time Museum of Chicago, some in galleries.