CHRONOS MANUFAKTUR

We are one of the few astronomical instrument makers in the world. Our instruments are fully functional, handcrafted one-offs based on historical models and can be found in numerous international museums and university collections, but also in private hands.

Chronos Manufaktur unites astronomers and precision mechanics, artists and engineers. A particularly close and fruitful collaboration resulted with the Astrolabe maker Martin Brunold from Abtwil (Switzerland), who, as a friend and teacher of Torsten Hiller, has had a decisive influence on the Chronos Manufaktur to this day.

Our instruments combine artisan aesthetics, high-quality metals and functional precision.

Who we are

Torsten Hiller

Owner of Chronos Manufaktur. Born in 1962, self-employed instrument maker in Brandenburg an der Havel since 2004. Numerous replicas of historical armillary spheres, Astrolabes and other astronomical instruments. One-off productions based on his own designs.

Dennis Hiller

Born in 1990, a toolmaker specialising in mould making. Works part-time at Chronos Manufaktur to support his father.

Martin Brunold

Born 1945, long-time Astrolabe and instrument maker and specialist author in Abtwil (Aargau, Switzerland). Teacher and friend of Torsten Hiller. Martin Brunold left many of his construction plans to Chronos Manufaktur and is available for consultation.

Norbert Müller

Born in 1957, a mechanical engineer, works as a designer. Assists Chronos Manufaktur when it comes to sophisticated technical solutions. Was involved in developing the Chronos -Armillarsphere, the Saturn project, the sundial Galileo Galilei and other special projects.

Prof. Ing. Nicolas Feierstein

Born in 1939, lives in Luxembourg. Lectures on astronomical topics, long-time president and current honorary president of the Association Astronomes Amateurs du Luxembourg (AAL).

Dr. phil. Gregor Wittkop

Born 1961 in Hanover, studied German language and literature, Philosophy and General Rhetoric in Tübingen, doctorate in Gießen. Books, essays, radio contributions and articles on the literature of the 17th-20th centuries. As a friend of Torsten Hiller, source and literature research, proofreading of the website.

The philosophy

„Philosophy is written in this great book which is constantly open to our gaze (I mean the universe). But the book cannot be understood unless one has first learned the language and familiarised oneself with the letters in which it is written. It is written in the language of mathematics; (...) without this one wanders in a dark labyrinth.“

Galileo Galilei, Il Saggiatore (1623)

What we do

All our instruments are handmade, signed and numbered. They correspond in shape, inscription, and star positions to the historical models. The star positions on the instruments are not adjusted to the precession, but are based on the originals. The necessary corrections can be found in the downloadable instructions (PDF), so that all instruments can be used as precisely as they were in their time of origin.

The production technique also largely follows historical methods: Drilling, sawing, filing, soldering and screwing; glueing has been added. Lines and inscriptions are etched. The polished brass is not lacquered to allow a natural patina to form. Therefore, replicas are susceptible to staining and require some care until the patina has formed. (Care instructions are also included in the instruction PDF). Due to the complex craftsmanship involved, delivery times may be longer.