Replica of H4

[SIP6A]

Dose anybody here know anything about Derek Pratt building a Replica of Harrison's H4? The reason that I ask is I received my issue of HJ in the mail today and there was an announcement that at the 150th anniversary celebration for the BHI Derek Pratt is going to give a talk on that very subject.

[Curtis]

Hi,

Yes, it is true that Derek is constructing a replica of H4, with further details to be revealed at the BHI 150th Anniversary Celebrations at Upton Hall ( June 7th - 9th 2008).

This weekend event is has a stellar line-up, with several "tempered" watchmakers and clockmakers participating - Roger Smith, Volker Vyskocil, the McGonigle Brothers and David Walter (there is a typo in the BHI announcement [Walker]).

The program begins Saturday June 7th

"In the foosteps of John Harrison" with the following speakers:

Andrew King - Making the Wooden Clocks
Malcolm Leach - The Large Machines
Derek Pratt - Constructing a Replica of H4
Jim Arnfield - Project 150 - The Anniversary Clock

Sunday's Program June 8th

"Watchmakers' Watches"

Introduction by George Daniels with contributions from Roger Smith, Francois-Paul Journe, Stephen Forsey, Colker Vyskocil, John/Stephen McGonigle and Charles Frodsham & Co.

Monday's Program

"Perfecting the Pendulum"

Johathan Betts - Historical Introduction
Markus Glotteler (Erwin Sattler) - Compensating Pendulums
Stephan Gagneux - Twin Pendulums in Resonance
Philip Woodward and David Walter - Mechanical Master and Slave

The 150th Anniversary Clock and the BHI member team that built it - "Performance of the Three Pendulum Clock"

This weekend program has all of the makings of a "not to be missed" event. I may even be tempted to hop across the pond for such an impressive celebration. For more information you may email maxine@bhi.co.uk

Cheers,

Curtis

[ei8htohms]

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[cmeisenzahl]

That's good to learn. I've been on the hunt for a moderately priced quartz reproductions of some of Harrison's pieces for a long time.

[David Walter]

This will be quite an event at Upton Hall in June 08, there will be more information concerning this event coming from the BHI soon.
It will be a memorable time with something of special interest for all of us interested in horology.

This promises to be a very special programme with presentations by some of the best and most knowledgeable of todays practicing Horologists.

I was part of the WOT (Woodward On Time) event at Upton Hall in January, this was a truly special day, all of us who were there enjoyed ourselves immensely, making it well worth the effort to be there.
I strongly recommend anyone considering attending in June 08 to do so, you will never regret it.

[Jacob Sobell]

With his passing, did he complete the watch or this one of his great pieces that will be lost to history.

[Curtis]

Hi Jacob,

I have read Derek's H4 project will be completed by a select group of watchmakers. I hope that is true. We shall see.

Cheers,

Curtis

[Jacob Sobell]

...as a tribute to 2 great watchmakers. I hope it gets completed in England. It would be wonderful.

[David Walter]

The H4 Derek was making will be completed by Frodsham in London.
Derek and Frodsham were great friends, Derek also provided much useful advice to Frodsham in the setting up and preparing for the production of their new watch movement

[Curtis]

Hi David,

Thanks for that news. Frodsham's will certainly make Derek proud. They are top shelf... their horological guru, Roger Stephenson, has been called the finest restorer in all of England... for decades. And, I was told, he showed Roger Smith how to properly make and finish a detent for a detent escapement, not an easy task as you know from making detents yourself. An old classmate of mine is (or was) working at Frodshams. I haven't been in contact with him in years... I hope he is still there as they are doing interesting work there.

Cheers,

Curtis