L'orologio astronomico di Glashutte Original

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Rare astronomical clock handed back to Qingdao Observatory
A German watchmaking gem is returned to China

 

On 28 September 2010, a special ceremony took place at Bund 18, Shanghai, to mark the return of a precious clock from Germany to China.

 

After nearly a year of intensive restoration in Glashütte, a valuable astronomical clock was officially handed over to representatives of the Qingdao Observatory.

 

Restored to its former beauty by specialists of Glashütte Original, the clock will remain on public display in Shanghai until November.

 

Historic Origins and German connections

 

Qingdao, on the east coast of China, has a rich history of several centuries. As an important naval base of the Qing Dynasty, Qingdao caught the eyes of European explorers and colonists. In 1897, Qingdao was under German rule for 17 years and taken over by the Japanese after 1914.

 

Still today, various historic buildings in Qingdao are a reminder of the German era; first and foremost its observatory that was established by German scientists and

that made a significant contribution to modern Chinese astronomy.

 

Since its establishment, Qingdao observatory was a scientific centre combining various disciplines including meteorology, astronomy, geomagnetism, and geology.

 

In 1956, the technical equipment of the observatory was further enhanced by the installation of a highly precise astronomical clock made by "Strasser & Rohde/ Glashütte", a renowned German watch company known for its precision pendulum clocks.

 

Since the year 1956, the clock has continuously provided an astrograph (an instrument designed for the purpose of astrophotography) with a second signal. It has also been used to drive the tracking system of astronomical telescopes.  Having witnessed the development of Chinese modern astronomy, the clock needed professional restoration and repair after more than half a century of relentless service.

 

In preparation of the 111th anniversary of Qingdao Observatory in 2009, officials of the institution attempted to find a partner who could repair the clock. It quickly became apparent that this rare clock could only be repaired by German master watchmakers in Glashütte who are still able to understand  and restore the complicated mechanism.

 

Glashütte Original and its restoration workshop

 

As the rightful heir to Glashütte's long history in watchmaking, Glashütte Original agreed to graciously inspect, restore and repair the clock and had it shipped to Glashütte for the purpose.

 

In its dedicated restoration workshop located within the German Watch Museum Glashütte, Glashütte Original employs a team of experienced watchmakers and restoration specialists  that bring antique Glashütte timepieces back to life. It took the specialists 10 months to gently restore the Qingdao gem to its former beauty; all of the components and individual parts including the wheels, the hands, the dial, the pendulum, and the wooden case were lovingly repaired or carefully reproduced.   

 

Since the transport back to China as well as the proper regulation of the heavy pendulum needed the eyes and the hands of an expert, the specialized watchmaker who was responsible for its repair has accompanied the clock back to China, first to Shanghai and subsequently to Qingdao. This way, Glashütte Original is ensuring that the clock is handed over in perfect functioning order.

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[Bertroo]

Wow!!!!!!!

[Andrea 65]

Altissima orologeria...arrivera' fino al soffitto???

[Airangel]

sarà alto poco più di due metri....

[merke]

Vedi i soldi di Torque li hanno subito investiti


Che belva!

[Airangel]

in casa sai che figurone che farebbe........

[merke]

in casa sai che figurone che farebbe........

Si penso proprio di si un figurone