A Guide to Electrical Horology

An electrical shock, as the name implies, involves the use of electricity in some fashion, but in what manner? An electrical motor connected to the power lines, perhaps? How about an electromagnet reacting with a permanent magnet to utilize the forces of attraction and repulsion to provide the driving force? And what of the use of a solenoid or electromagnet to lift a weight or to wind a spring? All of these are, unquestionably, descriptions of the uses of electricity to provide motive power for clock operation. A need then exists, to eliminate confusion and further define the function of electricity as applied to clocks.

The objectives of this publication are to offer an overview of the early research and developments which formed the foundation for practical electrical horology. Also included is a section covering technical information and repair with an emphasis on early battery operated clocks. The final segment contains needed references and a bibliography for sources of additional detail.