Movement Assembly
Georgian England was at the centre of horological excellence when the industry was at
the cutting edge of science and technology. The innovations of master horologists such
as George Graham, Thomas Tompion and John Harrison established a technical lead in
Britain that was to remain virtually unchallenged throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
The basic principles established at that time remain unchanged to this day although
technology has improved design and construction.
Comitti draws on this unique heritage to re-create English movements such as the
Grasshopper that are finished and assembled entirely by hand. The gear trains are cut
from solid brass and then fettled and polished by hand. All the parts are gold or rhodium
plated to achieve a perfect finish that will retain its lustre. The pivots are burnished and
the pivot holes reamed to minimise wear and improve accuracy.
In the assembly process specialist oils and greases are applied to the pivots and bearings
to establish the perfect running of the motion work. Once assembled, each movement
has to complete 14 days of inspection and performance adjustment before being
mounted into its cabinet.
