Sun ring, 1721, silvered bronze

Product description

This fully functional ring sundial is recreated after a historic example from 1721, invented by Prussian monks. Such a sun ring, also called an altitude sundial, was worn around the neck on a leather lace and was invented in the 15th century by the astronomers Regiomontanus and Peuerbach; Until the 19th century it continued to be used mainly in rural areas to determine the time.

Unlike a regular sundial, which uses the direction of the sun, an altitude sundial measures time based on the sun's altitude — so unlike a fixed sundial, you can also use it on the go. To read the time, hang the ring freely on the strap and point the hole in the ring towards the sun; the light spot that falls on the inside then indicates the time. Please note: the ring is set to winter time by default, so in summer you must add an hour.

A special, functional accessory for those who are interested in early modern timekeeping.