The Clock that Changed the World and The Recreation of John Harrison’s H1
The replica of John Harrison’s H1 clock, commissioned by Pragnell from Bob Bray, serves as a remarkable tribute to a groundbreaking invention that transformed 18th-century navigation by solving the Longitude Problem. Harrison's innovative design allowed for unprecedented accuracy in maritime navigation, significantly impacting global trade and naval power. The H1 clock featured advanced mechanisms, such as opposing pendulums and temperature compensation systems, which made it a prototype for future marine chronometers. Bray's ambitious project aimed to create a full-size recreation of the H1 clock, a task complicated by the lack of original drawings and the clock's delicate condition. Utilizing modern CAD technology and extensive research into historical restorations, Bray carefully crafted over 1,500 components to approximate Harrison's original design. The resulting Pragnell Bray Origins Clock is not just a functional timepiece but also a striking display of horological artistry, poised to make a grand debut at a gala marking the Royal Observatory's anniversary.
