Knowledge Physicists, astronomers, architects, geometricians, mathematicians, chronometer-makers, watchmakers: these are just some of the interested people who, through the years, have displayed a passion for the measurement of time. Their research led to major discoveries and inventions that are still relevant today. Whether physical or geometrical theories, natural laws or mechanical applications, their fundamental contributions have all made it possible to measure time with greater accuracy, to create timepieces to ever higher specifications while allowing aesthetic qualities to become more refined, and even to design increasingly efficient and modern production methods.
Charles-Edouard Guillaume
(1861 - 1938)
Swiss physicist, director of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, awarded the Nobel Prize for physics. Known to horologists for his remarkable work on alloys of steel and nickel, resulting in the invar pendulum-rod, the integral balance named after him and the compensating balance-spring. Author of many publications.