The Kremlin chimes are one of the most famous striking clocks in the world, which are located on the Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin. They have a very exciting story, and their structure is no less interesting.
The first clock in Moscow appeared in 1404 and was located near the Annunciation Cathedral. Then in 1621 Christopher Golovey made another watch. A stone top was built for them in 1625 on the Spasskaya Tower. In 1706, a new watch was installed, which Peter I bought in Holland. But in 1737 a fire broke out, ruining the mechanism. It was restored in 1767, but due to the fires of 1812, the clock was broken again.
The chimes that can be seen today on the tower in 1851 were restored by the Boutenop brothers. There is a corresponding inscription about this on the cast-iron watch frame. The diameter of their dial is 6, 12 m, the height of the numbers is 0, 72 m, the hour hand is 2, 97 m, the minute hand is 3, 27 m. The numbers, hands and rim of the watch are covered with gold. The pendulum has a mass of 32 kg, and its length is 1.5 m. In addition, they have a wooden compensator, due to which the change in air temperature does not affect the accuracy.
The Kremlin chimes occupy three floors of the Spasskaya Tower - from 8 to 10. Their main mechanism is located on the ninth floor in a specially designated room. It consists of four separate, so to speak, nodes: the movement of the clock, the striking of the clock, the striking of quarters, and the chimes. Each unit (mechanism) has its own winding shaft. It is put into operation using special weights consisting of cylindrical ingots made of cast iron. Their weight varies from 100 to 200 kilograms. There is also a set of tuned bells that are associated with the movement of the clock. They are all located on the 10th floor.
The mechanisms that are responsible for striking and playing have a programmed drum. Pins are fixed on it in a certain sequence. At the right time, the stopper of this drum is turned off, and it begins to move under the influence of the weight. In turn, the pins touch the handles of special hammers, and as a result, the bells sound.
The watch factory is produced 2 times a day. Also, a daily routine inspection of the unit is carried out, and once a month, a more detailed one. The watch is controlled by the watchmaker using a special chronometer.
