Monumentum Temporis – The heart in front of our manufactory
When visitors enter our manufacture in Gräfelfing near Munich, their eyes are usually drawn to it straight away: the large precision pendulum clock standing directly in front of our building. Tall, elegant and technically fascinating, the Monumentum Temporis is not only a striking focal point, but also a symbol of what drives us as a family-run company: a passion for precision and the desire to make time visible in its most beautiful form.
An anniversary that leaves its mark
In 2008, we celebrated our 50th anniversary – and at the same time moved into our new building in Gräfelfing near Munich. This double milestone provided the perfect occasion to realise an extraordinary project: a clock that sets new standards not only in terms of its size, but also in terms of its precision. After two years of intensive development and construction, the Monumentum Temporis was created – one of the largest purely mechanical precision pendulum clocks in the world. A unique timepiece that combines tradition and engineering excellence, bringing the values of our manufactory to life.
Technology that inspires
The stainless-steel tower above the entrance, measuring 12 metres high, 2.40 metres wide and 1 metre deep, houses the clock’s entire mechanism. At night, the tower is illuminated from within, and the 13 large glass panels allow visitors to view the inner mechanisms of the clock in all their magnificence.
The 160-centimetre regulator dial displays the hours, minutes and seconds on separate sub-dials – in the style of historic observatory clocks. The three blue hands are driven by a precisely calibrated gear train consisting of seven milled and gilded wheels.
A total of 36 stainless-steel ball bearings ensure the smooth operation of the movement. The escapement works with adjustable steel pallets based on the Graham escapement, refined with technical elements of the Swiss lever escapement, while a Huygens endless winding system ensures that the clock continues running even during its weekly winding. The two counter-rotating winding weights are clearly visible within the case, making the transmission of power an impressive feature to observe.
ThThe dimensions are impressive: the movement itself weighs around 140 kilograms, the pendulum around 55 kilograms, and the weight used to wind the clock adds a further 22 kilograms to the total. The pendulum – a temperature-compensated precision pendulum made of carbon, aluminium, stainless steel and brass – oscillates at a frequency of five seconds per swing. As a result, the seconds hand moves every 2.5 seconds in its characteristic, steady rhythm.
A masterpiece from our own workshop
Like all Erwin Sattler clocks, the Monumentum Temporis was designed and built entirely in house. The plans, drawings and technical details were developed in close collaboration between our master clockmakers and designers. Many of the components were developed specifically for this project – from the milled gear train to the hand-domed and polished hands.
In theory, the Monumentum Temporis is a 6.25-fold enlargement of our well-established Classica Secunda 1995 precision pendulum clock. Yet despite this similarity, the construction was anything but routine: many technical solutions had to be completely reconsidered to meet the demands of a clock of this size – from the stability of the shafts to the compensation for temperature variations.
The massive base, covered in granite plates, provides the necessary vibration damping and thus contributes to the clock’s high level of accuracy.
Time you can see and feel
During the day, the tower’s stainless steel reflects the light, making the clock appear to float. At night, however, the entire mechanism is illuminated from within – a fascinating spectacle that captivates more than just clock- and watchmakers. Standing in front of it, you can literally feel time passing at a leisurely yet precise pace.
For us, the Monumentum Temporis is more than just a technical masterpiece. It is a visible symbol of our philosophy: time in perfection. Every component, every screw, every wheel has been crafted with the utmost care – not only to display the most precise time, but to bring the beauty of mechanical precision to life.
A landmark of the manufactory
Today, the Monumentum Temporis stands as a landmark in front of our manufactory – a symbol of consistency in an increasingly changing world. It serves as a daily reminder of what is created when passion, knowledge and craftsmanship come together.
For us, it is a piece of living history – and at the same time a promise: that in the future as well, we will continue to shape time with the same commitment to precision, aesthetics and perfection that has defined us for more than 65 years.
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