RODA - Time and Temperature
The relationship between temperature and the perception of time is a fascinating subject that combines both neuroscience and the physics of watchmaking. In this RODA we explored the perspectives of Joe Paton, a neuroscientist, and of Antonio Roca and Juan José, watchmakers.
This was the theme of the RODA held yesterday, as usual, at the Palácio do Beau Séjour, with the support of the Câmara Municipal de Lisboa and the Gabinete de Estudos Olisiponenses. We were joined by the neuroscientist Joe Paton and the watchmakers Antonio Roca and Juan José. Here is a summary of what was discussed.
FULL VIDEO
SPEAKERS
Joe Paton
Joseph Paton is a principal investigator with a distinguished record in the field of neuroscience. He has contributed significantly to the understanding of the neural mechanisms of time, with several publications in renowned scientific journals. Some of his publications include studies on the neural basis of time, methods of visual psychophysics in rats, and the role of the amygdala and the orbitofrontal cortex in representing the expected amount of reward. His work addresses topics such as the parallel architecture of the brain's basal circuits, striatal dynamics in explaining judgements of duration, and the population coding of time in the striatum.
Antonio Roca
Antonio Roca Sansano is a distinguished professional in the watchmaking sector, currently serving as CEO & Trainer Manager at Grupo Time to Train S.L., in Madrid, Spain. His career is marked by a strong commitment to the ecological transition and sustainability in the watchmaking sector, with a particular focus on the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. He has extensive experience in court-appointed expert work and in the appraisal of antiques, contributing significantly to legal proceedings where knowledge of watchmaking is essential. One of his primary goals is to promote the professional qualification and recognition of watchmakers in Spain, highlighting the importance of their work, sacrifice and daily effort in maintaining the guardatiempos. Gifted with excellent communication and teaching skills, Antonio is interested in every aspect of the world of watchmaking, from customer service to supporting collectors and enthusiasts. He stands out in the areas of personalised sales, advice, training of professionals in the sector, management of work teams and the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment.
Juan José Ortiz
Juan José Ortiz is a professional with experience in the field of teaching, currently working as a teacher in Bollullos de la Mitación, Spain. He also works at the company Taller de relojeria Brillartés, indicating skills or an interest in the field of watchmaking. Living in Bollullos de la Mitación and a native of Seville, Spain, he has a strong connection with that region, both professionally and personally. He is currently a trainer and course director at the Escola Kirman.
JOE PATON'S PERSPECTIVE ON THE PERCEPTION OF TIME
Joe Paton and his team of neuroscientists at the Fundação Champalimaud studied how the brain judges time by manipulating the temperature of a specific brain region. Paton describes the human brain as relying not on a centralised mechanism to perceive time but on a decentralised and flexible understanding, determined by active neural networks. This process is comparable to the ripples caused by a stone thrown into a lake.
The research indicates that even simple changes in temperature can alter the perception of time. This "population clock hypothesis" suggests that our brains keep time through consistent patterns of activity evolving in groups of neurons during behaviour. There is causal evidence that the speed of neuronal population dynamics in the striatum provides a basis for time in the brain.
THE WATCHMAKING PERSPECTIVE ACCORDING TO ANTONIO ROCA AND JUAN JOSÉ ORTIZ
In watchmaking, the precision of watches and chronometers is crucial, and temperature is a significant factor affecting that precision. Traditionally, balance springs made of ordinary steels lost elasticity as the temperature rose, causing the hairspring to oscillate more slowly and the watch to lose time.
The metal alloy Élinvar was a significant advance in temperature compensation for watches. Charles-Édouard Guillaume, a Swiss physicist, developed a spring made of this alloy, with invariable elasticity, which was announced in 1920. Élinvar alloys are used whenever elastic properties need to remain stable across a range of temperatures, as is the case with watch springs. However, this innovation came at a cost – greater sensitivity to impact shocks.
Antonio Roca told us a little about the history of watchmaking and how solutions were gradually found for the environmental factors that disturb a watch's performance. Juan José also added some information about his experience as a watchmaker and described some of the problems caused by temperature in watches.
NEUROSCIENCE AND WATCHMAKING
Joe Paton explained to us that, in the experiments conducted by his group and by others, an increase in temperature leads to a perception of time passing faster, and a reduction in temperature to time passing more slowly. Precisely the opposite of what happens in watchmaking. This is merely a curiosity, as no parallel can be drawn between the influence of temperature on organisms and on metals. Paton also recalled that the "human clock" is not capable of measuring time precisely, only in relative terms.
Joe Paton's research reveals how even subtle changes in temperature can influence our internal perception of time, while in watchmaking solutions such as self-compensating Élinvar hairsprings were developed to maintain the precision of watches under variations in temperature. Both perspectives illustrate the complexity and the fascinating interaction between temperature and our conception and measurement of time.
THE FUTURE
This was the last RODA of the year; many more will be organised next year, so keep an eye on the IPR's social networks, as well as the website and newsletter.
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