Hilger Watts Theodolite Manual «2026 Release»

The Hilger & Watts theodolite, particularly the iconic Microptic series, is celebrated for its precision engineering and compact design. Originally manufactured by Hilger & Watts Ltd in London after their 1948 merger, these instruments set a high standard for land surveying and meteorological observations. Core Manual & Operating Procedures

Today, these manuals are artifacts of a time when precision was a physical sensation—the click of a tangent screw, the glow of a glass scale, and the steady hand of a surveyor making sense of the wild earth. hilger watts theodolite manual

• Upper Clamp/Tangent: Controls rotation of the upper plate (measuring horizontal angles).
• Lower Clamp/Tangent: Controls rotation of the lower plate (orienting the instrument).
• Vertical Clamp/Tangent: Located on the telescope standard; controls vertical movement.

• Collimation: Sight a distant, well-defined point. Read the circle. Plunge the telescope and sight again. The difference should be zero. If not, the manual details adjusting the two opposing screws on the reticle ring.

A vintage manual is an invaluable resource for "Field Adjustments." It provides step-by-step instructions on: The Hilger & Watts theodolite , particularly the