Chronoscope no. 17757
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1900
Catalogued under reference TCW 4019 by The Clockworks, this weight-driven electric chronoscope represents a short-duration precision timer designed by clockmaker and telegraph engineer Matthäus Hipp.
Designed to register time intervals down to thousandths of a second, the apparatus operates with a fast-running wheel train started prior to measurement to overcome movement inertia. While Hipp originated the design, the dial is inscribed by successor firm Peyer Favager & Co of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, alongside serial number 17757. The movement rests atop a four-pillar wooden stand featuring electromagnetic coils, terminals, and a suspended driving weight.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- c.1900
- Type
- Electric chronoscope
- Serial Number
- 17757
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Dial Inscription
- Peyer Favager & Co | Neuchatel Suisse | No. 17757
- Maker / Designer
- Matthaus Hipp
- Maker / attribution
- Matthaus Hipp
- Collection Reference
- TCW 4019
Design
- Visible features
- • Rectangular brass movement plate mounting four dark electromagnetic coils and brass terminals. • Suspended cylindrical brass driving weight hanging from a cord and pulley between four black columns. • Wooden stand featuring ebonised and gilt-accented columns resting on a stepped base with four front electrical binding posts. • Small spherical counterweight suspended from a cord to the right of the central driving weight.
- Identity and Manufacturer Inscriptions
- Catalogued under reference TCW 4019, this precision instrument is identified as a weight-driven electric chronoscope designed by clockmaker and telegraph engineer Matthäus Hipp. While Hipp developed the underlying design in the 1840s, the markings recorded in the collection source document production under Peyer Favager & Co of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Specifically, the source records the dial inscription as 'Peyer Favager & Co | Neuchatel Suisse | No. 17757'. The instrument bears serial number 17757, which appears both within the dial inscription and stamped 'On top of plate'. The institution assigns an approximate date of circa 1900 to the short-duration timer, categorising it under metrology and electric meters.
- Mechanism Operation and Evidence Limitations
- According to the source text, Hipp's weight-driven electric chronoscope is designed to measure intervals in thousandths of a second. To counter movement inertia, the mechanism relies on starting the fast-running wheel train prior to beginning the timing measurement, so that readings are taken while the train is already turning at a constant velocity. Physical verification of these mechanical principles remains limited to the historical text in the source. The collection entry does not record internal wheel tooth counts, escapement condition, or modern operational testing. Additionally, because the provided photograph does not depict the front dial face, visual confirmation of the dial scales and hands is not possible from this source.
- Physical Stand and Visible Movement Elements
- Visual observation of the catalogued photograph shows the rear aspect of the apparatus mounted upon a stepped wooden base with four black columns. The columns are ebonised with gilt accents and support the upper movement assembly, while four electrical binding posts are positioned along the front edge of the base. Suspended centrally between the columns is a cylindrical brass driving weight hanging from a cord and pulley, paired with a small spherical counterweight suspended to its right. Mounted on top of the pillar stand is a rectangular brass movement plate carrying four dark electromagnetic coils along with brass terminals. Because the recorded photograph shows a movement-facing perspective, the dial face and front dial indicators are not visible in this angle.
Identification
- Reference
- TCW 4019
- Serial number
- 17757
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The front dial face is not visible in this reverse or movement-facing angle.
- Research required: The listing identifies the design creator as Matthäus Hipp, while the dial inscription attributes manufacture to Peyer Favager & Co.