The year so far

As we begin the second week of the second term of our 2013/14 year, now is a good time to give a brief overview of the year so far. We currently have 20 students on the degree program, with 7 in first year, and 13 in second year, and they all have been very busy in the first ten weeks!

The first years have begun their Mini Clock project, an exercise designed to introduce all the most important horological skills in relevant ways, which will culminate, at the end of second year in a small clock which is able to count seconds. So far, basic workshop skills including lathe work have been introduced; the students have produced two brass plates with pivot holes and oilsinks connected with four brass pillars of a personal design, riveted at one end with blued screws and brass washers at the other.

Andrew, Corrie, and Lance's mini clocks so far.

The second years have also been busy in the workshop, producing a balance cock with a wheel, staff, jewels and endstones; pushing the skills learned in first year to the limit. The course encourages students to learn through experimentation and sharing experiences, and it's safe to say that this project has resulted in a lot of experiments, and several failed attempts!

A selection of balance cocks, in various stages of completion

Rosie's (fourth attempt at a) balance staff... almost done!

Stuart's completed balance staff

Andrew polishing components

Following on from the ethos of experimentation, the second years have also been making their way around the School of Jewellery, learning about all the process and machines available to them. Many of these are much more commonly used by jewellers, so it will be interesting to see what creative ideas follow on from this!

They have also been working on a record of repair to prove their ability at servicing, consisting this term of either five watches, or four clocks. They are required to service the item, and complete a write up detailing their process, problems, results, and reflect upon the whole thing.

Ted servicing a Miltime ETA 2824 movement.

Away from the workshop, first year students have researched and submitted essays on the subject of the longitude problem, and technical advancements in horology which came about as scientists and inventors all over the world raced to solve it.

They have also begun their learning diary, a reflective journal documenting almost everything they do in the workshop in the first year. A degree requires a lot of reflecting!

The time ball at Greenwich Observatory

A few students at the observatory last year

Outside the school, the first year students have been on a trip to the Greenwich Observatory to see John Harrison's clocks, and to inspire them for their essay!

In the evening other students met them for the Dingwall-Beloe lecture at the British museum.

Expect more soon!