As the design developed, I could not help but see a nautical character emerging, which led naturally to the title. The work brings to mind the great ocean-going clippers of the 19th century, with their romantic elegance, quiet majesty, and beautifully drawn lines.

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Continuing this nautical theme, the wheels and roller pinions would use Harrison’s chordal pitch gearing. John Harrison, 1693–1776, best known for his decisive contribution to solving the problem of longitude, developed this form of gearing to reduce sliding contact between wheel teeth and pinions. I have used Harrison’s chordal pitch in several other works and have found it to be both efficient and durable.

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A double-ended seconds pendulum would give the clock a calm, reassuring cadence within any setting. The time would be displayed and adjusted through movable dial rings, while power would be supplied by a constant-force spring concealed within the base.

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The finish would be satin black steel, complemented by gold-lacquered or gold-plated components.