Before atomic and quartz clocks took over, the world of high-precision timekeeping was dominated by pendulum clocks known as regulators. The pursuit of ever greater accuracy dates back to the invention of the clock itself. However, it was not until the 18th century that new escapements, such as the Graham escapement, and ingeniously designed compensation pendulums enabled values to be achieved that remain impressive to this day. Great names in watchmaking associated with this development include Harrison, Berthoud, Tompion and Sattori. In Austria, a special type of regulator emerged in the 19th century: the “Dachl- or Laterndluhr”. These clocks often have a long running time and are always of outstanding quality (provided they are original specimens), characterised by their timeless elegance. They remain the best-known examples of Biedermeier clockmaking to this day. Around 1900, mechanical clocks finally reached their peak. Thanks to gravity and spring escapements, compensation pendulums, vacuum cases and highly advanced craftmanship, they achieved levels of accuracy that would not be surpassed for another 60 years by the atomic clock.

Bernhard Wagner’s regulator clocks feature a Riefler-style Invar compensation pendulum to ensure precise timekeeping. A Graham escapement with hand-cut, inserted ruby pallets powers 80 half-oscillations per minute.

All pivots run in ball and ruby bearings. The power reserve is one month. All movement parts are highly polished, and the brass parts are gold-plated. The hands, screws and various other parts are thermally blued. The minute hand features a hidden counterweight beneath the dial. The domed hands give the watch an attractive, three-dimensional appearance. The only component not manufactured in-house is the clock case. However, it was crafted from local woods in a master carpenter’s workshop just metres away from the watch manufacturer.

Further regulators with seconds and half-second pendulums are currently being produced and will be presented here once completed.