Lindell,

Was John Harrison a Watchmaker or Clockmaker?

I know, another stupid question

Mike Nardick

Mike,

It's an absolutely great question! John Harrison did it all, trained as a carpenter, he was first known for building amazing tall case and eventually tower clocks with self-oiling wooden movements. Everything he did he figured out for himself, he was truly the self-taught genius of Horology.

He is known in legend as "The Lone Genius" who figured out the problem of precise calculation of Longitude which opened up the world to safe travel and exploration. His entirely hand-made Chronometers are fantastic and precise works of art. He literally invented the maritime watch.

His story is told in a book, "Longitude" by Dava Sobel, published by Walker and Company of New York. The PBS series NOVA did a treatment titled "Lost at Sea-The Search for Longitude" you will find described at...

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/longitude/

A full transcript is on line to read at...

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/transcripts/2511longitude.html

There was also a 4-hour "A&E" presentation with a similar title. The most information available on-line is from the British National Maritime Museum at...

http://www.rog.nmm.ac.uk/server.php?request=search%3Aall&searchKeyword=museum+harrison

There is a tremendous archive available there. I could not begin to do John Harrison or his remarkable accomplishments justice with my humble words. His life is one of heroic proportions, a legend for the ages. You will find everything about him and his work to be truly fascinating.

When Tom Chaudoir was helping putting this Discussion Site together, it was Tom's idea to name an area for the man who literally dedicated his entire life to the perfection of time-keeping abilities and devices. Once you fully understand the story of John Harrison, you will understand why we grown men who study Horology today have a lump in our throats and tears in our eyes when we contemplate the life and lore of this great man.

I hope this gets you and others started on an amazing voyage of discovery.

Sincerely,

Lindell

I was given a copy of Longitude by a long time friend and retired professor here at UTSI, and recommend it to anyone who is involved in the study and/or love of horology. It's a must read, and takes only an evening to go through. Absolutely amazing tale of a master craftsman, and his patience in dealing with injustice. Regards. Mark Cross

Who can you say would be on the same scale as John Harrison Today?

Is there one person in Horology that anyone could pick?

Mike

I cant think of anyone

NAWCC 157316
IHC 155

Yah, I'll give it a shot. Maybe not on the same level, but as John Harrison moved horology into the future "WE" are doing the same. How about that.
Mike, Enough of the stupid question thing. There is no such thing, for one thing. And for another, I just bought a book and I have never read one in my life. No kidding. So hows that for stupid? I didnt think so.

Aaron Bereiter
NAWCC# 156432
Very Proud IHC Charter #55

Here is another link (with attached additional links) on John Harrison:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1864000/1864737.stm

Andy.

Andy,

Thanks for the additional information! There is sure a lot available about John Harrison and his amazing accomplishments. Imagine, 227 years after his death he is today so much larger than life.

Lindell

I remember watching the TV presentation of John Harrison's life. It was excellent. Most of those programs are recycled after a bit. It would be a good one to be on the lookout for.

NAWCC #41293
Internet Horology Chapter #104
Interim Exec. V.P. of IHC

The TV series "Longitude" is available on DVD and is highly recommended. It is directed by Charles Sturridge and stars Micheal Gambon and Jeremy Irons