The small shell can show the True Local Time with an accuracy of about 15 minutes. The shell is turned to the sun in such a way, that the sun shines through the small hole that can be found near the top. When the sun illuminates the bright metal plate, the shell can be rotated so that the thread of the plummet lies onto the engraving. The time is found at the cross-point of the thread and the date on the shell.

«The good old times» – it could not have been so good after all. The engraving CARPE DIEM (use the day) might have induced guilt and stress to the owner anytime the sun-dial was consulted. I say thy: tempora tempore tempera.