Awesome Clock - Congreve Rolling Ball Clock

A Congreve clock, also known as Congress rolling ball clock or oscillating path rolling ball clock, is a type of clock that uses a ball rolling along a zigzag track rather than a pendulum to regulate time. It was invented by Sir William Congreve in 1808. The ball takes between 15 seconds and one minute to run down the zigzag track, where it trips the escapement, which in turn reverses the tilt of the tray and, at the same time, causes the hands of the clock to move forward. Thus, the angle of the plate reverses and the clock hands move forward between 1 and 4 times every minute.

On versions of the clock with a dial to indicate seconds, the second hand jumps forward either 15 or 30 seconds on each oscillation, depending on the length of the track. Congreve clocks are unreliable timekeepers. The time taken for the ball to travel along the track varies greatly, depending on the cleanliness of the track and the ball. Since the plate is aligned horizontally, it's easy for dust to accumulate.

This particular clock is on display at the British Museum in London; it was created in 1820. Thank you for watching the video. If you find it interesting, please consider subscribing. Thank you!