ericfreitas.com

In 2004, after considerable research and a deep breath I began working on my first mechanical clock. My father, in a huge gesture of support, had given me a used mill and lathe on the previous Christmas, complete with an indexing plate and gear tooth cutters. This first clock would be a huge leap of faith. The amount of detail I chose to incorporate would result in a very time consuming art project that had no guarantees of working when it was finished. Over a year later "No.1" ticked for the first time, and not only was all of the work validated, but I was fueled by the success enough to continue making clocks.

No.1 is a weight driven single train clock movement. It's equipped with a recoil escapement and a one second pendulum. Each chain link was designed differently, and then cut one by one with a handheld piercing saw. The four bolts on the front holding the frame together, along with all of the internal screws, are hand threaded with dies and ground to shape with a rotary tool. When adjusted properly, this clock is accurate within 2 minutes a week. Because of sentimental value, this clock is not for sale.