Astrolabium - Richard Hermle’s Masterpiece of Celestial Mechanics
In stock
Astrolabium - Richard Hermle’s Masterpiece of Celestial Mechanics
The Astrolabium is Richard Hermle’s celestial clockwork display inspired by the “Himmelsmaschinen,” or Heaven’s Machines, associated with 18th-century clockmaker Philipp Matthäus Hahn. It combines a working clock with a mechanical model of recurring celestial cycles.
A quartz skeleton movement turns the Earth and displays the 12 signs of the Zodiac, months, and days on the cylinder dial. The Moon completes an orbit around Earth every 29.5 days, while Earth completes its path around the Sun in one year.
The mechanism is protected by a hand-blown crystal dome and mounted on a black lacquered wooden base. Overall dimensions are 9 inches by 9 inches by 12 inches.
What it’s for:
- Displaying modeled Earth, Moon, and annual cycles
- Combining astronomy interest with precision clockmaking
- Serving as a centerpiece in a study, library, or clock collection
Materials & Construction:
- Quartz skeleton movement
- Celestial display with Zodiac, month, and day indications
- Hand-blown crystal dome
- Black lacquered wooden base
Specs:
- Product: Astrolabium
- Designer: Richard Hermle
- Dimensions: 9” x 9” x 12”
- Power: One C battery
- Includes: C battery
Care & Field Notes:
- Lift the crystal dome with both hands and avoid contact with the mechanism
- Dust the dome and base with soft, nonabrasive materials
- This item is fulfilled from a separate warehouse and may take 2 to 3 weeks for delivery
Pairs well with: Astronomical charts, mechanical clocks, brass instruments, and observatory books.
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