Epicyclic skeleton clock by Fred Whitlock. Copied from an original circa 1820 example by Messrs. Strutt and Wigston.

A fine and perfect, prototype replica of a rare clock from the famous, 'Major Heathcote collection'.

Stock No:   14551

*** I feel that this is a very special clock that requires a unique description. ***

This clock is not only rare but has a fascinating back story that is of Horological interest and, as a Master Clockmaker, I feel duty-bound to draw your attention to it. Please note, I knew Fred Whitlock on a deeply personal level and worked with him in collaboration many times over 25 years. He shared his personal and Horological story with me and it is incredible.
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The Fred Whitlock Epicyclic Skeleton Clock.

The substantially built, 6 day duration, line fusee movement with cross-bar stop work, Anchor Recoil escapement, light pendulum and thick scrolled plates with chamfered edges. The fusee set-up is capped and the winding is from the rear (a necessity because of the epicyclic and constantly travelling, 'planetary' gearing). The bewildering detail taken in the manufacture of these pieces is an absolute testament to the quality of this copy which during its concept, and with the premier clockmaking company of 'Dent', was a bold, time-consuming but commercially welcomed project. Yes, it proved very successful but also, the production of the specialised 'planetary gearing' threw up many difficulties.

This fine clock production proved to be a very difficult and limiting project during its original inception in circa 1820 and also, in its revival in circa 1973 - some 153 years later! It was a tall order and a difficult journey to produce in both eras - equally so for both craftsmen.  We should pay homage to their temerity and determination. Original and replica, both makers encountered equal difficulties in market and production challenges. The inventor had less technical machinery but because of his fame as an inventor - had a ready market of wealthy customers offering support. The copier, had modern machinery but sadly, even in 1973, it didn't work for producing the circular, double sided, sword fish toothed, epicyclic driving wheel! He eventually overcame this after many failed attempts but the procedure was breathtakingly difficult and laborious, it required countless 'scrapings' by hand of the teeth with a rigid cutter once they could be reliably 'indexed' within a solid captivity. Pre - C.N.C - this is mind-boggling work and commands my deepest admiration especially as the end result was perfect! The greatest benefit is that on observation, the planetary gearing can actually be seen moving through the dial.

The plates are held onto the pillars with large, polished and blued steel screws of the finest quality, the one-piece, hand pierced skeletonised dial with a copper finish, has its Arabic hour numerals separately finished in white and the upper back plate bears the words "MADE IN ENGLAND" over 2 ovals containing "F Whitlock" as a signature and also and very importantly, as a homage, the signature of "A. Heathcote". The importance of this is that Fred worked with Major Heathcote to produce this before production for Dent and it is not numbered so, it was most probably his demonstrator. All the wheels a 5 spoked and everything is finished to the highest standard. Fortunately, the whole movement still retains its sharp and crisp edges. It is also separately bracket-fixed to a solid oval brass base. This in turn is mounted upon a stepped mahogany base with brass feet. Finally, it has a glass box shade placed over it. The condition of this clock is excellent though a little oil stained in places. The bearings are clean and unworn, it is working very well and has an excellent action to the escapement. It appears undamaged in any way excepting the odd scratch here and there. As is usually the case with my photography, the pictures do not serve justice! I cannot overstate the importance of this clock. It was the prototype of a clock that culminated in a long clockmaking relationship between a relatively unknown but talented maker and the great firm of Dent. Once aware of it's existence I literally, chased this clock up and down the country until I had it! All of the calculations and more details of this clock can be seen in the excellent book 'British Skeleton Clocks' by Derek Roberts. Pages 160 - 169.

More information: 

Epicyclic gearing and Messrs. Strutt and Wigston. The word "Epicyclic" is of Greek origin and literally means 'upon a circle' or 'sun and planet'. It has the advantage that, for engineering applications, far more power can be transmitted relative to the size of the components. Its main application in Horology has been for the usage of Astronomical complications on very complex clocks . No maker previous to William Strutt had used it in direct usage on the going train of a clock. William Wigston was a machine maker who manufactured parts for steam engines and was a very close friend and indeed, the maker of the clocks.

It is believed that Strutt and Wigston only produced 20 examples of these clocks because of the sheer difficulty and cost of their manufacture - even though it was written in the Derby Mercury that "The invention of a machine somewhat similar in appearance to sun and planet wheels (etc.) was one of his latest efforts of his powerful genius and comprehensive mind". Fred Whitlock produced a limited edition of one hundred between November 1973 and February 1974. They were direct copies of the Major Heathcote example of the Strutt and were sold, mostly in the U.S.A. for $3,500 each. A plate on each clock bore the familiar Dent triangle and the first owner's name. Apparently, Dent would have produced an extended limited edition but at the time, it was felt that the production costs were too limiting.

* If this item captures your imagination then you must study it because it is fascinating. It will give you many hours of mental pondering trying to understand it - at first, it doesn't make sense but put your faith in the fact that William Strutt was years ahead of his time!

Dimensions including shade:                        14" high x 10" deep x 11 1/2" high.

Circa:                                                             1972 (54 years old?).

Condition:                                                       Please see above.

Price:                                                              £4,250 in its present and working condition for this unique
                                                                       prototype however, any work required by the purchaser such
                                                                       as a strip, clean and service, refinishing parts as necessary
                                                                       and repolishing of the wood plinth can be discussed upon
                                                                       enquiry, subject to a free consultation.