One of Towson Watch Company’s most notorious horological projects was the restoration and recreation of the world's oldest mechanical watch - Philip Melanchthon's table clock, crafted in 1530.
Philip Melanchthon, born in 1497, was a key Germanian figure of the Renaissance period. As a humanist scholar, he stood alongside Martin Luther during the Protestant Reformation. Notably, in 1520, he penned the "Loci Communes," the inaugural comprehensive summary of Luther's doctrine of justification. Melanchthon's educational reforms, driven by humanist principles, earned him the revered title "Praeceptor Germaniae" (Germany's Principal Teacher), signifying his profound impact on the German school and university system.
The preserved clock that belonged to Melanchthon now resides in the esteemed Walters Art Museum Collection, situated in Baltimore, MD near Towson Watch Company's headquarters. Thus, it was only fitting for Towson's founders, Hartwig Balke and George Thomas, Maryland’s most-esteemed master watchmakers that came from Germany, to undertake the restoration of Melanchthon's watch, ensuring the preservation of its significant horological legacy.
Philip Melanchthon's table clock is a marvel of 16th-century craftsmanship. Encased in pierced brass, adorned with intricate engravings, and delicately gilded, this spherical timepiece boasts a diameter of 48mm. Etched with the inscription "PHIL. MELA. GOTT. ALLEIN. DIE EHR. 1530" (Philip Melanchthon. To God alone the honor 1530), the exterior bottom rim bears testament to the religious sentiments of its era.
With George Thomas's expertise, thorough research, and examination of historical literature on 16th-century watchmaking, several crucial revelations emerged before embarking on the restoration of Melanchthon’s watch. Firstly, it became apparent that the movement contained components made of brass, an anomaly for the time period. Additionally, some parts in the movement’s time-train appeared to be installed by a jeweler in a later period, not consistent with the original construction of the 16th century. This led to the realization that Melanchthon’s clock had undergone previous repairs, resulting in the inclusion of non-original parts.
In response, George Thomas meticulously disassembled the movement, identifying the authentic components and discerning them from the later additions. Upon inspection, it was determined that the movement’s ratchet wheel, mainspring barrel, balance cock, and several screws and levers beneath the base-plate were crafted from brass. Moreover, discrepancies were found with the balance-wheel and the mainspring, which had fractured into pieces. Various pivot holes for the fusee, barrel, and wheels had been opened, and brass bushings had been inserted by a previous repairman.
The restoration strategy was clear: to utilize only original parts and return the movement to its authentic state by crafting components by hand, mirroring the techniques and materials employed during the 16th century watchmakers. This approach would preserve the integrity and historical significance of Melanchthon’s historic timepiece.
The restoration process adhered strictly to historical accuracy, employing techniques and materials consistent with 16th-century watchmaking practices. Unlike modern practices, where brass is commonly used, only iron was utilized for the movement, mirroring the standards of the time. The wall for the mainspring barrel was milled from iron, hand-finished, and precisely calibrated to seamlessly integrate with the original components. Similarly, the balance cock, foliot, ratchet wheel, counter potence, and barrel wall were all painstakingly handcrafted from iron using traditional tools and methods.
In addressing specific damages, such as the broken regulator, meticulous care was taken to replicate the original piece, ensuring authenticity. For instance, the pigs bristle in the regulator, vital for adjusting the foliot's oscillation, was sourced from a high-quality paintbrush. Additionally, a new click spring was meticulously forged using cold forging techniques, enhancing its durability and longevity.
To guarantee the long-term preservation of the restored timepiece, certain modifications were made, such as replacing the original cat gut in the fusee train with nylon monofilament line, due to the former's hygroscopic nature. The open case-back of the fully restored watch, located in the lower half sphere of the watch case, showcases George Thomas’s repaired movement and the minute repeater’s bell. The dial has a rotating disc for setting the alarm and a single hour hand. The top case-cover is pierced enabling a view of the dial in order to read the time.
