The re-emergence of legendary British clockmaker Thomas Mercer is continuing with the creation of the calibre TM0802, a sophisticated table chronometer movement aimed at keeping time according to marine chronometer standards.
The company, which can trace its history back to 1858, but was re-launched in 2012, says that the TM0802 is a true heir to a quintessentially British clockmaking tradition, one of extreme accuracy, fine craftsmanship and exquisite artistry combined.
Calibre TM0802 is an evolution of calibre TM0801, the first movement Thomas Mercer introduced. But, rather than horizontal and round, it is a vertical and rectangular movement, typically found in forward-facing carriage clocks.
The advantage of this configuration is the prominence it gives the escapement. The calibre’s balance wheel is located at its apex, where it is most visible.
The latest movement also has an additional function: a start-stop device halting the movement on demand, to allow a perfect synchronisation with official time.
Like the rest of Thomas Mercer’s contemporary calibres, TM0802 sports an eight-day power reserve, indicated at 6 o’clock.
The TM0802 has a highly accurate, reliable and efficient chronometer escapement. This is one of the rarest features in clockmaking, the regulating of which is only mastered by a handful of experts, like those in charge of assembling and setting Thomas Mercer’s timekeepers.
