UGears: Sky Watcher Tourbillon Table Clock (338pc)

The Clockwork Universe theory favored by 17th C deists held that the Earthand the heavens, and all their motions, were like a giant clock, with God as theClockmaker. Newton's three laws of motion and the principle of universalgravitation were thought to be sufficient to explain phenomena of any kind,using mechanical conceptions. At Ugears we love mechanical conceptions! And sowith a nod to Isaac Newton, we present the Sky Watcher Tourbillon Table Clock, afascinating combination of imaginative celestial observatory and functionaltable clock!

For years, Ugears fans around the world clamored for us to create afunctional wooden clock model. Together with the gravity powered, wall-mountedAero Clock, and now the spring-loaded Tourbillon Table Clock, we have doublydelivered! Clocks are complex mechanisms. We bet you never thought you couldbuild your own clock out of wood, and have it keep accurate time! But withUgears models, you become a creative partner in an amazing mechanical adventure.To create this amazing DIY clock made out of natural wood, our designers andengineers solved complex problems of friction, gearing, tooth strength, torsionof the clock body and tourbillon axles under spring load. Now the challenge isyours, to build it, bring it to life, and become the clockmaker in your ownsteampunk universe.

The standout feature of this functional and beautiful wooden model tableclock is the rotating tourbillon that sits on top. In wrist and pocket watches atourbillon mechanism helps increase accuracy by counteracting the effects ofgravity when the watch is stationary. By seating the escape and balance wheelwithin a rotating cage, slight errors in timekeeping introduced by the force ofgravity are averaged out. In table clocks and wall-mounted clocks a tourbillonoften serves a more decorative purpose. This is true of the Sky WatcherTourbillon Table Clock from Ugears, where the sphere of the tourbillon has beenstyled to resemble a large telescope observatory scanning the celestial sphere,like those at Mauna Kea in Hawaii. Perhaps it is creating a map of the heavens?Conducting infrared studies? Or maybe searching for new planets or signs ofintelligent life?

The first prototype of the tourbillon was developed in 1795 by Abraham-LouisBreguet, who also succeeded in reducing the size of the mechanism and mountingit into a pocket watch. More than a century later, in 1920, the “flyingtourbillon” was developed by Alfred Helwig, which opened the mechanism to viewby having it mounted on only one side, endowing it with an aesthetic function.Today, there are many variations on the tourbillon mechanism, including single,double and triple axis designs, but what is common to all designs is that theyare a daunting engineering challenge, such that a watch featuring a tourbillonwill fetch a significantly higher price than models that lack the mechanism. Theidea that you can build your own tourbillon out of composite wood, from a DIYmodel kit, without need of glue or special tools, is kind of amazing, butamazement is what our Ugears customers have come to expect.

The Sky Watcher tourbillon mechanism has three axes of rotation: around thevertical axis of the clock, horizontal axis of the clock, and relative to thecentral axis of the inner sphere. The wind-up clock operates based on theaccumulation of potential energy in a flat spring, and the metered release ofthis energy. When the model is fully wound it can power the timepiece forapproximately 2–3 hours, sufficient for long observation of the mesmerizingmechanism, or to provide a pleasant background ticking clock sound and visualdiversion for a period of work or rest. Rather than an all-too-common clock facewith hands, we have created additional interest by having the time displayplaced on reels. The minute reel rotates smoothly with the progress of thetourbillon, while the hour reel marks the passage of time with a percussivemechanism.

Mechanical adventure awaits when you order your Sky Watcher Tourbillon TableClock, an exciting addition to the Ugears catalogue of 3D puzzles, DIY modelkits, automatons, robots, wooden puzzle boxes and STEM Lab model kits. Thismodel kit is definitely not for beginners, but will prove a delightful challengefor more experienced modellers. When assembling your Tourbillon Table Clock, thecomplexity of the mechanism must be taken into account. Remember, to keepaccurate time, your clock requires lubrication and a neat, tidy assembly. Thanksto a balance wheel, the model allows for adjustments to its timekeeping whetherthe clock is running fast or slow, and of course you can set the current time onthe display by turning the reels: minutes first, then hours. Your Sky Watcherclock comes with detailed, illustrated instructions in 11 languages (English,German, Ukrainian, French, Polish, Spanish, Russian, Japan, Italian, Chinese andKorean). If you break a part during assembly, just let our customer service teamknow. Replacement parts are free, as part of our overall commitment to customerservice.

The Sky Watcher Tourbillon Table Clock from Ugears will make a handsome,fascinating addition to any home or office space. Large in conception anddesign, this remarkable tabletop clock is modest in size, with a tower designthat won't take up much of your desk space. Even in its static state, this 3Dpuzzle clock is a beautiful addition to your decor and a sure-fire conversationpiece. It's also a great gift idea. Give this DIY clock kit as a holiday orbirthday gift to your favorite hobbyist and present them with a wonderfulchallenge, or if that hobbyist is you, build it as a magnificent display piecefor your own mantle or home office. You could also present a completed Ugears 3Dpuzzle clock as a special gift to a loved one, giving them a unique, handcraftedpiece of art and engineering in which you have invested your time andtalents.

The Sky Watcher Tourbillon Table Clock will appeal to night sky watchers,star gazers, amateur astronomers, horologists, clock and watch enthusiasts,experienced model builders, 17th C deists, Isaac Newton stans, and anyone whoappreciates superior design or a DIY challenge.

Specifications:

• Model size: 12 × 7.1 × 6.5 in(305 × 180 × 165mm)
• Package size: 14.9 × 6.7 × 1.8 in(378 × 170 × 45mm)
• Number of components: 338
• Estimated time for assembly: 15 hours
• Level: Advanced