Falling Ball

Weighing in at about 75 pounds, but only standing 21 inches tall, this is quite the table clock. (Or should I say, “it requires quite the table”?)

It has a 1-second wooden balance wheel (instead of a pendulum). The escape mechanism is a modified Swiss Lever. In a lot of respects, this is like a giant wooden “watch”. It even self-starts.

This clock is powered by 2-LB cast iron balls that circulate on one side of the “ferris-wheel” great wheel, providing a constant driving power. As it turns, the balls drop - once per hour - into the great wheel and simultaneously out into lower tray - with quite a racket! To “wind” it, the balls are simply put back up on the top “roller-coaster” track.

Side view, showing the gearing, case details, and escape. This clock makes a beautiful sound (except when the ball drops), and keeps excellent time. the Falling Ball clock

This is my own wooden version of the famous “falling ball” clock - which has been re-created by Devon Clocks, Ltd., and others.I even styled the case - almost directly - after one of the classical examples.
This is my own wooden version of the famous “falling ball” clock - which has been re-created by Devon Clocks, Ltd., and others.I even styled the case - almost directly - after one of the classical examples.