The movement of H 4

Discover the allure of art with our faithful reproduction of "The movement of H 4", originally brought to life by the talented John Harrison. Unlike posters or prints, our hand-painted oil painting breathes an unique sense of depth and texture into your space. Every detail, every stroke, and every texture is meticulously recreated, paying the perfect homage to John Harrison and his artistic vision.

Owning this piece is more than just decoration - it's a statement of your refined taste in art. Let the vibrant colors and intricate details of this replica serve as a daily reminder of the beauty in our world. Elevate your decor and appreciate the richness of art with our replica of this masterpiece.

John Harrison's H4 is a pivotal creation in the history of horology, representing a groundbreaking advancement in the quest for accurate marine timekeeping. Completed in 1759, the H4 was the fourth marine timekeeper designed by Harrison, an English carpenter and self-taught clockmaker. Unlike its predecessors, the H4 resembled a large pocket watch rather than a traditional clock, with a diameter of about 13 centimeters (5 inches) and weighing approximately 1.45 kilograms (3.2 pounds).

The development of the H4 was driven by the need to solve the problem of determining longitude at sea, a challenge that had plagued navigators for centuries. Accurate timekeeping was essential for this purpose, as it allowed sailors to calculate their east-west position by comparing the local time at sea with the time at a known reference point, such as Greenwich. The British government had offered the Longitude Prize, a substantial financial reward, to anyone who could devise a practical method for determining longitude to within half a degree.

Harrison's H4 achieved unprecedented accuracy through several innovative features. It utilized a high-frequency balance wheel and a temperature-compensated bimetallic strip to maintain consistent timekeeping despite the varying conditions at sea. Additionally, the use of diamond pallets and a novel escapement mechanism reduced friction and wear, further enhancing its reliability.

In 1761, the H4 underwent its first sea trial aboard HMS Deptford, sailing from Portsmouth to Jamaica. The timekeeper performed exceptionally well, losing only five seconds over the 81-day voyage, which translated to an error of just 1.25 minutes of longitude. This remarkable accuracy demonstrated that Harrison had effectively solved the longitude problem, although it took several more years and additional trials before he received full recognition and the majority of the prize money.

The H4's success marked a turning point in maritime navigation, significantly improving the safety and efficiency of long-distance sea travel. Harrison's work laid the foundation for modern chronometry and earned him a lasting legacy as one of the greatest horologists in history. The original H4 timekeeper is now housed in the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, where it remains a testament to Harrison's ingenuity and perseverance.

When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.

We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.