 What Erwin Sattler and clock enthusiasts regard as precision depends on many factors. The more precise a mechanical clock has to be, the more important the details. Precisely cut teeth, the choice of the right material and reliable compensation for atmospheric influences increase the accuracy by only fractions of a second, but this is exactly what makes the difference between a clock and a precision pendulum clock. This is why the Erwin Sattler factory has its own research and development department. The only goal is to develop and optimise mechanical precision timekeepers. Here we use high-tech instruments to check historic theories and developments for their day to day practicality. The theoretical knowledge gained is put into prototypes. With computer aided calculation of gears, the use of gears with a high number of teeth and fitting the movements with jewels and ball-bearings we optimised the transmission of power. In this way we save up to 50 % of the normal driving weight, at the same time the longevity of the movement is extended significantly. To ensure quality we operate a unique laboratory that enables our designers to simulate environmental influences on a pendulum. In our pressure chamber, we check the effect of pendulums of different weights when air pressure changes, to determine the exact degree of compensation, which has previously been calculated mathematically. Therefore our clocks keep accurate time up to 1 sec/month. Using unusual materials we find new answers on old questions. Driving weights made of tungsten, invar pendulum rods, extremely low friction ball bearings and air pressure compensation aneroids are only some examples. Richard Müller, co-owner and technical leader of the Manufacture Erwin Sattler invests continuously in the research and development department to increase the technical progress. This gives our creative designers the opportunities they need for their ideas and visions. |
