The Amazing Richard Mille Tellurium-Planetarium

[Jack Forster]

In a world full of surprises, this is perhaps one of the most incredible recent developments in horology. The remarkable device we are about to share with you is both a thorough re-invention and at the same time a revival of an ancient, and scarcely practiced horological art form: the planetarium-tellurium. Without further ado, we bring you an extraordinary, and most exclusive new work of mechanical genius from the atelier of Richard Mille:

THE RICHARD MILLE PLANETARIUM-TELLURIUM
Text by Theodore Diehl for Richard Mille



Background

From the earliest times of civilization, man has always attempted to duplicate, depict and reflect the surrounding visible celestial universe. These representations could be monumental and static, such as architectural models or temples dedicated to connecting a specific place with specific astronomical determinations, or more portable, mechanical representations of the physical movements of the sun, earth, moon and the planets as well as other types of astronomic occurrences.

One of the first major references to such a man made device depicting the movements of the moon and planets dates from a text by Cicero, which describes an invention created by Archimedes (287-212 B.C.). Although the actual object the text describes was never found, the famous Antikythera, a later machine tentatively dated between 80 and 50 B.C. must surely be the earliest planetarium of its kind. Discovered in 1901 along with a vast number of glass and bronze statues and artefacts, the secret mechanism it contained, able to show the movements of the sun, moon, and four of the planets visible to the naked eye, were only uncovered after X-ray photography revealed the inner workings contained within its green discoloured bronze exterior in 1959.


The Antikythera Device, image hosted on Wikipedia

Many different forms and versions of astronomic machines depicting the movements of the heavenly bodies were created in the course of time in many different cultures. For our purposes, broadly speaking, these can be divided into two major groups: manually set or clockwork driven representations.

One of the earliest European paintings of a geared mechanism representing the movements of the sun, earth and moon with a horizontal layout similar to late 17th century table sized examples, can be seen in a portrait of the German astronomer and inventor Wilhelm Schickard (1592 – 1635) who taught at Tübingen. Quite crude in design and lacking the correct number of teeth for a true representation, the manually driven mechanism he holds in his hand depicts the annual and diurnal revolutions of the earth according to the Copernican model. Be that as it may however, the Tellurium, which is a three dimensional model depicting the earth’s yearly cycle around the sun, its diurnal movements and its parallelism of axis seems to have developed first in The Netherlands and fine examples of Telluriums created by the famous cartographer Wilhelm Janszoon Blaeu (1571-1638) support this history.


Wilhelm Schickard of Tubingen, with early Copernican mechanical model

However, the development of the clockwork driven planetarium or tellurium that could show the movements of heavenly bodies automatically without manual intervention had to wait until the appearance of newer and more accurate types of escapements that evolved during the course of the 17th century. In addition, there was still much to additional work be done to improve representational accuracy since the calculations of the gear teeth ratios were still imprecise, therefore making it necessary to re-synchronise a planetarium every fortnight (for example, a + 1° error in 8 hours in the rotation of the earth on its axis corresponds, in 15 days, to a + 45° discrepancy).

From a more general perspective, it is perhaps important to recall that from the 14th century until roughly mid 20th century, horology and the applications derived from it were as important to the scientific, military and civilian spheres as are, for us today, information technology and its applications. For this reason, countries such as Italy, Germany, Japan, France, England, and finally Switzerland, competed with each other for supremacy in horology.

Some important names in the field of horology who were occupied with the development of the planetarium are: Han Kung-Lien (ca. 1088), Giovanni de’ Dondi (1318-1389), Jost Bürgi (1532-1592), Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571-1638), Christian Huygens (1629-1695), Thomas Tompion (1639-1713), Georges Graham (1673-1751), Philip-Mathaus Hahn (1739-1790), Jean-Baptiste Cattin (1688-1767), Antide Janvier (1751-1835), François Ducommun (1763-1839), Jean-Jacques Lepaute (1775-1830).

Richard Mille’s 21st century contribution to the development of the Planetarium-Tellurium The Richard Mille Planetarium is a rare and unique object of its kind, containing a vast number of extremely precise indications and astronomic representations within the limits of mechanical design. It was developed to be effective and practical in daily use with the possibility of corrections for different time zones and ease of setting, all of which is executed with workmanship of an extraordinarily high level. All these conditions mean that it is an extremely difficult object to create, and thus a rarity. For this reason more than 10 years have been necessary for the development of the Richard Mille Planetarium- Tellurium.



Another unique aspect of the Richard Mille Planetarium-Tellurium is the addition of a perpetual calendar to the astronomic representations in combination with a détente chronometer escapement. The addition of a highly accurate going train and winding barrel of the planetarium to this escapement make this the most accurate clockwork planetariumtellurium of its kind.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RICHARD MILLE PLANETARIUMTELLURIUM MOVEMENT

Despite its enormous complexity, the Richard Mille Planetarium- Tellurium is designed to be: - easy to understand - easy and practical in use - precise and reliable This means that for the first time, an object of this type will be able to be operated by someone who is not a specialist.

Understandable visual representation

First of all, the diameter of the earth has for practical and aesthetic reasons been notably enlarged in the Planetarium-Tellurium (in reality, the earth is 109 times smaller than the sun) allowing a good view of the continents and indeed of countries. All the planets can be seen perfectly, although these, as explained above, are not to scale regarding size and distance. The indications (date, equation of time, zodiac) are represented in an easily readable and consistent way, and on a separate area from the layout depicting the rotation of the planets.




Practical in use

The planetarium-tellurium is wound with a lever system, and it has a power reserve of 15 days.

The perpetual calendar, which is for the first time included in a planetarium, is fitted with a rapid corrector that allows it to be corrected either forwards or backwards. The same adjustment can be made to the Planetarium-Tellurium, after it has not been wound for a long period. This synchronisation, seemingly simple yet a true technical feat since it is also linked to the time zone mechanism including local, summer and winter time, is the result of lengthy research into mechanical engineering and of very important developments allowing the object to be quickly restarted. This had previously been impossible, because it required asking the help of a specialist in watchmaking and astronomy.

The movement is fitted with a Stop-Restart balance whose function it is to restart it after having been immobilised (the problem of the failure of the balance starting up during winding of the movement is an inherent feature of the detent escapement).

Precision and reliability of the Richard Mille Planetarium- Tellurium:

The numerous calculations required for this project were executed by a renowned astronomer-physicist. This means that the main consistent error occurs only regarding the earth on its axis, with +1° in approx. 7.7 years. The other figures are as follows: +1° in approx. 168 years for the rotation of the moon around the earth, and -1° in approx. 2 million years for the rotation of the earth around the sun. Given that the value of 1° is below the timing tolerances (+/- 2°) adopted for this planetarium, whilst for the earlier planetariums, the error range was far greater, one realises that the error of the earth on its axis is perfectly acceptable, indeed of no significance.


Planetarium/Tellurium gearing, closeup

For the basic movement:

The movement of the Richard Mille Planetarium-Tellurium has a detent escapement which is much more efficient than the lever escapement because it interferes less with the balance wheel's movements. The adjustment of the balance wheel with variable inertia uses adjusting screws. This type of balance is highly sophisticated and guarantees greater reliability as well as better chronometric results. The index has thus been left out, which allows for a more precise and repetitive time adjustment.


Closeup, large marine-chronometer style horizontal balance and helical hairspring with detent escapement

The winding spring is a Tensator type, which adjusts itself in order to provide a more consistent torque to the movement train, which is a vital element in the overall performance.

REPRESENTATIONS AND INDICATIONS

Astronomic representations (R) and indications (I)
- Rotation of the earth on its axis (R)
- Rotation of the earth around the sun (R)
- Obliquity of the earth (R)
- Rotation of the moon on its axis (R)
- Rotation of the moon around the earth (R)
- Phases of the moon (I)
- Equation of time (I)
- Mercury (R)
- Venus (R)
- Sun (R)


Indications, front panel of the Richard Mille Planetarium-Tellurium

Rotation of the earth on its axis (R) One rotation on its axis in 24 hours. Error: +1° in 7.7 years

Rotation of the earth around the sun (R) One rotation in 1 year. Error: -1° in 2 million years. This rotation is used as the basis for indicating the seasons, the equinoxes, solstices and zodiac signs, represented in their respective windows.

Obliquity of the earth (R) Exact rotation, the tilt of the earth’s axis between the two poles: 23.5°. This tilt towards the sun provides a perfect understanding of the phenomenon of the seasons.

Rotation of the moon on its axis and rotation of the moon around the earth (R) The calculation of the rotation is based on a synodic month of 29.53058912 days (time interval between two new moons). Error : +1° in 168 years.

Phases of the moon (I) The phases of the moon are represented on the moon itself with a surrounding ring that represents the area visible from the earth.

Equation of time (I) The equation of time is represented by a hand and a dial divided into sectors on the front part of the planetarium. The hand represents in + or – the minutes that must be added or subtracted from the mean time in order to obtain the true solar time.

Solar time. Associated with the equation of time, it represents the true time in relation to the sun. This indication is connected to the planetary mechanism and is on the dial.

Mercury (R) Representation of Mercury performing a rotation around the sun in 87.9 days. Mercury does not rotate around its axis.

Venus (R) Representation of Venus performing a rotation around the sun in 224.7 days. Venus does not rotate around its axis.

Sun (R) Static representation of the sun in the centre of the planetariumtellurium.

Time indications - Hour - Minute - Time zones - Date (Perpetual calendar) - Day (Perpetual calendar) - Month (Perpetual calendar) - Year, decade (Perpetual calendar) - Leap year - Power reserve - Seasons, equinoxes, solstices, Zodiac signs

MATERIALS USED Titanium, steel, brass, gold, silver, red corundum

SERVICEABLE LIFE It is still possible today to restore watches that are more than 6 centuries old. The Richard Mille planetarium-tellurium will not be an exception to this rule, each component can be manufactured again. But by way of an example, the mainspring is designed to last approximately 350 years….

MAINTENANCE Cleaning is recommended every 5 years.

AFTER-SALES SERVICE In-house service. In the long term, this type of objects can be repaired by a highly qualified watchmaker, or by a very skilled restorer of ancient watches.

GUARANTEE 3 years, components and workmanship, including transport. Does not cover drops, extreme shocks or inappropriate handling. For enquiries, please contact: Miss Isabela Pascu Richard Mille (S) Pte Ltd Tel (65) 6735 7632 Email isabela@richardmilleasia.com

All images and text copyright Richard Mille for Horomundi, except where noted.

[SteveW]

Jack, amazing article and insight into this awesome machine. This thing is obviously RM, from the casing, the screws, hands, and many other small details, they really hit a home run with something very unique to me. What a stunning piece of work to both RM as well as your coverage.

Thanks for that one!!!!

[Stefano]

That's very cool! It's a 21 century clock with deep roots and history. Excellent post!

[Wimster]

Thanks Jack,

what a stunning piece and great article. thanks for sharing!

greets, Wim

[Edgar]

Wow. This is so cool! I think it suits perfect at my desk

[Theodore]

Hello all,
It is quite something, indeed! And heavy as well, for a clock, believe me !!!!
This is my text for the Tempus Event; however for anyone out there who is interested there will be a full article about the Richard Mille Planetarium-Tellurium available at our stand at Tempus in both English and Chinese.
Hope to meet many of you there!
Thanks Jack, for posting this!
Cheers,
Theo

[frankrs]

I will unfortunately not be there, but thanks for presenting this masterpiece here.

One word: AMAZING!

Frank

[1QUIK993]

wow, that thing is killer!!! I'd love to see it in person. Where will it be primarily homed?

[Theodore]

Hi there,
Well, it will be traveling to various RM Boutiques/retailers around the world. The Tempus Event will be the kick-off area.
It will be up for sale next year....There will be one lucky owner!
Ciao,
Theo

[Theodore]

Here's a view of the interior without the Sun in position.
By the way: all that metal for the bridges/plates is titanium!



Ciao,
Theo

[Alberto]

...piece of horological equipment!

I am very much looking forward to seeing it in Singapore!!!

[Peter]

How big is the strap? :-)

[cmeisenzahl]

Fantastic, I love it! ;-)

[HerrK]

... the look of the sun and the planets does not go so well
with the rest of the PLANETARIUM-TELLURIUM this is a
fantastic apparatus combining modern mechanical time-
keeping with acient mythology.

Cheers
Christian

P.S.: The Antikythera-project homepage is
http://www.antikythera-mechanism.gr/

[Jürgen]

Well Jack, that is one amazing story of this beautiful timepiece.

Almost 3 years ago I visited Christiaan van der Klaauw, a Dutch independent watchmaker, who has also made a planetarium. I was very impressed by this mechanical wonder clock, it has too much complication to mention.


Planetarium clock made bij C. v.d. Klaauw. (Photo website C.v.d. Klaauw)

He also has made a watch which shows a planetarium.


Planetarium watch made bij C. v.d. Klaauw. (Photo website C.v.d. Klaauw)

For anyone who can read and understand Dutch, here is a link where you can read more about my visit to his atelier.
http://members.chello.nl/~h.mennink/...aauwbezoek.htm

[Jack Forster]

Originally Posted by Theodore

Here's a view of the interior without the Sun in position.
By the way: all that metal for the bridges/plates is titanium!



Ciao,
Theo

. . . I have ever seen. What an extraordinary device- I would love to know more about the genesis of the idea; it seems such a remarkable and yet unusual thing for RM to have constructed. Thank you for that picture, it's almost better looking with the case off than on!

Incidentally, congratulations on a fantastic piece of horological writing as well- an absolutely fascinating read!

Jack

[Wei]

Jack and Theo thanks for breaking the news. WOW if I can only strap that thing to my wrist!!!

Bravo Richardo!

Cheers

Wei

[IanS]

and it has been worth the wait. An awesome piece of horology, mathematics and engineering.

Thank you very much for the report Ted and I am very much looking forward to seeing this at Tempus.

[Watchismo]

I absolutely am intrigued by timepieces of astronomical proportions. C. van der Klaauw, Ulysse Nardin, etc.

I found this great planetarium clock at the Beyer Museum in Zurich-->Link



If photo doesn't show, click here-->Photo Link

Table Clock with Planetarium by Jean-Andre Lepaute - France circa 1770

Thanks for sharing the Richard Mille clock!

Mitch

The Watchismo Times

[Jeremy]

What can I say but . Excellent article Jack. Now that's what I call a time piece! I'm sure anyone with spend countless hours just looking at how the various constellations rotate around each other. Can't wait to see it in action at Tempus!