Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS
Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS

Pendant watch with astrolabe

Röntgenbild der inneren Feinmechanik einer Halsuhr.
© Fraunhofer IIS
X-ray technology can map the internal precision mechanics without the need to physically open the watch.

Date

last third of the 16th century

Origin

Germany

Artist / manufacturer

unknown

Inventory no.

APKU 20

Material

Brass (partly gold- and silver-plated); iron

Customer

Museumslandschaft Hessen Kassel

Technology

3D computed tomography

System

Micro-CT

Objective

Of particular interest were the internal gears, which were made visible using X-rays.
Mit dem hochaufgelösten 3D-CT-Scan können auf der Halsuhr mit Astrolabium auch feinste Verzierungselemente erfasst werden.
© Fraunhofer IIS
The high-resolution 3D CT scan captures even the finest decorative elements of the valuable object.
© Fraunhofer IIS
The visualization of individual layers allows the most accurate conclusions to be drawn about the internal components.

Early example of a pendant or pocket watch with a minute hand, which were not built until the 1550s.

Under the openwork cover of the clock is an astrolabe with a pointer, which, according to the inscription, indicates the true location of the sun. The investigation is intended to shed light on whether this promise actually holds true.

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