pendúlkur

A pendúlkur is a type of clock that uses a pendulum, a hanging weight that swings back and forth at a regular pace, as its timekeeping element. The first pendulum clock was invented by Christiaan Huygens in 1656. This invention significantly improved the accuracy of clocks compared to earlier designs, making them more reliable for scientific and navigational purposes.

The pendulum's swing is driven by gravity. A mechanism within the clock, typically an escapement, allows the pendulum to swing freely while also providing small impulses to keep it in motion. This escapement also engages with the clock's gear train, which translates the pendulum's regular oscillations into the movement of the clock's hands. The length of the pendulum is crucial to its period, the time it takes for one complete swing. A longer pendulum swings more slowly, resulting in a clock that ticks fewer times per minute and therefore keeps longer time intervals.

Pendúlkurs were the most accurate timekeeping devices for centuries. Their accuracy is influenced by factors such as temperature, which can affect the length of the pendulum, and external disturbances. Modern advancements in timekeeping technology, such as quartz and atomic clocks, have surpassed the accuracy of pendulum clocks. However, pendúlkurs remain appreciated for their historical significance, mechanical complexity, and aesthetic appeal, often found as decorative pieces or in horological collections.