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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Precision regulator wall clock

French Precision Regulator Clock Signed Villy

Partially verified

This 19th-century French precision wall regulator is enclosed in a mahogany case measuring 148 centimetres in height, 50 centimetres in width, and 29 centimetres in depth. Dated by the dealer to circa 1840 under the Louis Philippe or Charles X style, the clock features a non-striking movement with a reported running duration of one week. Its circular white enamel dial is signed Villy and carries Roman numerals, Breguet hands, and a subsidiary seconds hand. Inside the glazed trunk, a multi-rod gridiron-style compensation pendulum with a large circular bob is visible alongside a slender driving weight suspended to the side.

French mahogany wall regulator clock signed Villy, circa 1840
French mahogany wall regulator clock signed Villy, circa 1840 — Serge Daelmans Antiques Fine Art. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Clock · Precision regulator wall clock
Maker / attribution
Villy
Reference
1635406
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1840
Country
France

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Architecture and Form

The clock is contained within a wall-hung glazed case described in the seller listing as a 'sober mahogany chest' measuring 148 centimetres in height, 50 centimetres in width, and 29 centimetres in depth. Direct visual observation records a wall-mounted glazed wooden case with a moulded cornice and stepped lower base.

The seller categorises the style as 'Louis Philippe, Charles 10th' and dates the clock to 'around 1840'. No internal stamps, trade labels, or serial markings are documented in the source to confirm the dating.

Evidence for this section
  • “the sober mahogany chest 148 centimeters high equipped with a precision clock”
  • “Dimensions : Height 148 cm Width 50 cm Depth 29 cm”
  • “Wall-mounted glazed wooden case with a moulded cornice and stepped lower base”
  • “dating from around 1840”
  • “Style: Louis Philippe, Charles 10th”

Dial and Hands

The dial is a circular white enamel dial signed 'Villy', with visible black Roman numerals marking the hours. It is fitted with two hands described as 'Brequet hands' alongside a separate seconds hand.

Visible observation confirms the white enamel dial face with black Roman hour numerals. Detailed movement signatures or regional origins for 'Villy' are not recorded in the source text.

Evidence for this section
  • “The white enamel dial signed "Villy" is equipped with 2 Brequet hands as well as a hand for the seconds”
  • “Circular white enamel dial with black Roman hour numerals”

Movement, Pendulum, and Weight Assembly

The movement is reported to have a running duration of one week and lacks a striking train, with the listing noting: 'The clock has no chime, which is common for this type of clock.' Visual observation confirms a multi-rod gridiron compensation pendulum with a large circular metal bob, as well as a cylindrical weight suspended along the left side of the trunk interior.

The seller notes that 'The weight that descends on the side in the chest is light, while the pendulum is heavy' and that the pendulum has 'minimal movement.' Specific escapement details are not described in the source, and the movement itself is not visible in the primary photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “The weight that descends on the side in the chest is light, while the pendulum is heavy. The clock has no chime, which is common for this type of clock.”
  • “This clock has a duration of one week ; to be revised.”
  • “Multi-rod gridiron compensation pendulum with a large circular metal bob”
  • “Cylindrical weight suspended along the left side of the trunk interior”

Condition and Documentation

The dealer notes the condition of the clock as 'Some repairs' and specifies that the movement is 'to be revised'.

The specific scope, location, and dates of any past repairs or alterations to the case, glass, or movement are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Condition: Some repairs”
  • “to be revised”

Open research questions

  • Which horological maker does the dial signature 'Villy' reference, and in what French municipality or workshop did they practice circa 1840?
  • What escapement type (such as Graham deadbeat or pin-wheel) is fitted to the movement behind the dial?
  • What specific components have been repaired or altered as denoted by the condition note 'Some repairs'?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Precision Regulator Clock Signed Villy
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker attributionVilly“The white enamel dial signed "Villy"”
Date of manufactureCirca 1840“dating from around 1840”
Case materialMahogany“Material: Mahogany”
DimensionsHeight 148 cm, Width 50 cm, Depth 29 cm“Dimensions : Height 148 cm Width 50 cm Depth 29 cm”
Hand configurationBreguet hands and seconds hand“equipped with 2 Brequet hands as well as a hand for the seconds”
Running durationOne week“This clock has a duration of one week”
Striking mechanismNone / no chime“The clock has no chime, which is common for this type of clock.”
Style attributionLouis Philippe, Charles 10th“Style: Louis Philippe, Charles 10th”
Dealer condition statusSome repairs; movement to be revised“Condition: Some repairs”

Visible details

  • Wall-mounted glazed wooden case with a moulded cornice and stepped lower base
  • Circular white enamel dial with black Roman hour numerals
  • Multi-rod gridiron compensation pendulum with a large circular metal bob
  • Cylindrical weight suspended along the left side of the trunk interior

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement mechanism is not visible in the photograph
  • Dealer notes condition as 'Some repairs' and movement 'to be revised'

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Proantic: French Precision Regulator

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 68e702f5f9

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.