Space Time No. 1

The escapement used in Space Time No. 1 is a sculptural variation on Cole’s Gravity Escapement, invented by British clockmaker Thomas Cole around 1880.

After making several prototypes based on Cole’s original pattern, I was not entirely satisfied with the action. The escape-wheel geometry was therefore modified from the original design, and the gravity arms were inverted — a recurring theme in my work. I also replaced Cole’s original sliding-contact reset planes with Delrin rollers, reducing friction and giving the mechanism a cleaner, more controlled action.

Unlike a conventional pendulum clock, Space Time No. 1 is regulated by a balance wheel. As with all gravity-type escapements, impulse is delivered by the gravity arms; the task of the mechanism is to reset those arms in preparation for the next impulse.

The result is a compact kinetic timekeeper that reinterprets a historic escapement as a visible sculptural mechanism, combining automatic winding with brass and aluminum construction.

Technical details: Cole’s Gravity Escapement, automatic winding, brass and aluminum construction, balance regulated.

Overall dimensions:
12 W × 6 D × 12 H in
30 W × 15.5 D × 30 H cm