Horology Explained
Horology is the study of time and more specifically these days, the study of time measurements using instruments to tell the time. Horology involves the telling of time through a number of devices and instruments such as clocks, watches, clockworks, sundials, hourglasses, times, chronometers and a number of other pieces. Horology is specifically related to the measurement of time through mechanical time keeping instruments, whereas those using electronic equipment to measure time falls under chronometry. People who are usually intersted in time are known are horologists, this encompasses people such as watchmakers, clockmakers, watch repair specialists and other similar industries.
What Does A Horolgist Do?
A horologist is someone that monitors time using mechanical devices and it also covers people who make devices to measure time, as well as those that repair those devices. Whilst many people will use generic terms such as watchmakers or watch repairs, the people carrying out these tasks are actually horologists. Horology is recognised across the globe and there are a number of museums across the world dedicated to the study, including in the UK. Many UK museums have sections dedicated to timekeeping and horology and locally there is a museum in Cheshire, called the Cuckooland Museum that holds the world's largest collection of antique cuckoo clocks.
Why Do We Need Horologists?
The simple answer is, is to tell the time and to ensure time is tracked. Although many people use electronic devices to measure time, many luxury watch brands and certain industries still rely on mechanical time keeping instruments to ensure things keep running smoothly. One of the most interesting things is, most electronic devices use mechanical devices as base to ensure their own timings are correct. The history of timekeeping goes back eons to when people where using sundials and other rudimentary instruments to tell the time.
Does Horology Invole Collecting Watches and Clock?
The simple answer is Yes. But this will likely be down to the individual horologist themselves. Those that make or repair watches, are likely to have a collection of their favourite pieces, as would anyone that has a specific collection focus. Whereas those that repair or make clocks, are likely to have a collection of clocks, mostly antiques, that represent the best of the work they do. Whilst horology is an industry in itself, it is all a passionate market for collectors as well. Including those that like to collect watches and clocks because of their own chosen likes and dislikes, no different to someone that collects cars or gold.
Does Watch Repair Fall Under Horology?
Yes. Anyone that deals with the creation or repair of mechanical timekeeping devices would be deemed a horologist or fall under the category or horology. At Goldtime Watch Repairs, we specialist in the repair or watches, including mechanical watches. The skills, knowledge and resources we have at our disposal allows us to repair watches, that are both new and antique. We have years of experience in the industry and during our time, we have repaired watches in all types of conditions, from those with broken crowns, to those that are simply just a shell and need a full restoration.
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