• diameter: 6 cm,
  
  
• made of solid brass
  
  
• instrument  is fully functional
  
  
• beautifully detailed to exact replica precision
  
  
• information booklet included
  
  
• packed in elegant pouche
  
  
• instrument will indicate the solar local time

Although known as the astronomical ring, this instrument evolved directly from the armillary sphere, which dates back to Ptolemy times.

Armillary sphere is an astronomical model of the celestial sphere. The instrument is built of graduated metal rings (armillae) linking the poles and representing the equator, the ecliptic and meridians.

Our sundial is the model that has been simplified to two main rings, one to be aligned with the equator, one with the meridian.

The first sundial of this type was most likely designed by Anthony Thompson in 1652 and its use was widespread during 18th century.

The astronomical ring works with lattitude and time of year to give the correct time today.

The pointer located on top of the meridian ring (outer ring) is used to point to the desired lattitude. The inside ring is used as the hour ring. In the middle you have the bridge which has a slidder to adjust the month. In the middle of the slider is a small hole which the sunlight passes through to reveal a sun spot on the inside of the equatorial (hour) ring, which in turns gives you the time.

Unlike the 6 cm astronomical ring which can be relied upon to measure the time fairly accurately as far as sundials are concerned, this model is best used as a decoration.

Customer Reviews:

Karen R.,  Germany
Rating:
WARNING! Don't buy this sundial as a gift for someone, because you will want to keep it for yourself! I love it's elegance, precision and the convenient size of this piece.

Mark Macrae,  Scotland
Rating:
The replica of the sundial I bought in your shop is excellent. The sundial shows time with the accuracy between 5-20 minutes depending on the time of year and day. I found it very simple and easy to use. Many thanks.



Anthony Hebden,  USA
Rating:
I am a sailer, who for many years determined the position of my boat by measuring the poistion of the sun and other celestial bodies. I have always been interested in sundials and navigational instruments. The replica of the sundial is very accurate and my wife could easily learn to use it. My friends were all impressed with it. It's a finesse and rewarding instrument. This replica is made to look ancient and dull to give it an aged look. I wasn't sure of this effect and polished it up to shine. I like it much better this way. I highly recommend these instruments for anyone who wants to give something unique and affordable.