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.
Jacques-Frédéric Houriet
(1743 - 1830)
Swiss chronometer-maker, inventor of the spherical balance-spring, with which he did research on isochronism. At the age of 85, he presented to the Geneva Society of Arts a non-magnetic chronometer in which only the mainspring and pinions were of steel.