Celeste armillary sundial

The Celeste sundial is an armillary sphere, a type of sundial originally conceived by the astronomer Ptolemy in around 250 AD. The sphere comprises a series of rings, each representing one of the heavenly bodies.

The Celeste dial is 45cm (18”) in diameter and is made from high-quality brass. It is intrinsically very strong, weighing 6.5 kilos (15lbs).

Engraved on the dial is a Shakespearian quotation:

Thou by the dial's shady stealth mayst know time's thievish progress to eternity.

The time-telling shadow is cast onto the hour band by the gnomon rod, which runs through the centre of the dial and points to the celestial pole. The time is marked from 6am to 6pm and the hours are engraved in Roman numerals, with the half-hours also marked.

The latitude region of the Celeste Sundial is determined by the delivery address.