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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

J.B. Beguin Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This carriage clock by J.B. Beguin is a gilt brass timepiece dating to circa 1870. The clock features a manual-wind eight-day movement with grande and petite sonnerie striking and repeating functionality. It is designed with several complications, including day of the week, date, and alarm. The movement is constructed with a rectangular gilt brass frame measuring 90 x 68 mm, featuring four ring-turned pillars, going barrels, and a platform escapement with a lateral lever. The balance is a cut bimetallic compensation type with a blued steel flat balance spring and an index regulator. The striking mechanism uses two hammers on two bells. The dial and movement are signed. The clock is housed in a decorative gilt brass case measuring 180 mm in height, 98 mm in length, and 85 mm in width, with visible oxidation reported on the case.

Gilt brass carriage clock with grande and petite sonnerie complication, circa 1870.
Gilt brass carriage clock with grande and petite sonnerie complication, circa 1870. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
J.B. Beguin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
263
Source-reported date
circa 1870
Source-reported place
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 and Dial Construction

The carriage clock is encased in a decorative gilt brass housing. The case exhibits elaborate castings, including figural elements on the corners and a scrolling handle fixed to the top of the clock. Glass panels provide visibility to the internal movement from the sides.

The dial features a central white enamel chapter ring with Roman numerals for hours. The background plate is finished with detailed metalwork. Below the main chapter ring, there are two distinct indicators for the day of the week and the date, both integrated into the dial plate. The auction description notes that the dial is in good condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “gilt brass, manual wind eight day”
  • “Dial: 3-01 Good”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is a rectangular gilt brass unit measuring 90 by 68 mm. It incorporates four ring-turned pillars to secure the plates and utilizes going barrels for power. The timekeeping is regulated by a platform escapement featuring a lateral lever and a jewelled impulse pin.

The balance assembly consists of a cut bimetallic compensation balance paired with a blued steel flat balance spring and an index regulator. The clock includes a grande and petite sonnerie striking and repeating mechanism, which operates with two hammers striking against two bells. The auction description reports that the movement requires an overhaul.

Evidence for this section
  • “90 x 68 mm., rectangular gilt brass, four ring-turned pillars, going barrels”
  • “platform escapement with lateral lever, jewelled impulse pin”
  • “striking and repeating with two hammers on two bells”
  • “Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Condition and Attribution

The clock is attributed to France, circa 1870. The auction description provides a grading system for the object, assessing the overall quality as AA or very good. The case is described as good, though it exhibits some surface oxidation.

The signatures are located on the dial and the movement. , and the auction records note the condition of the case and movement as distinct areas of observation for the prospective owner.

Evidence for this section
  • “France”
  • “Circa 1870”
  • “Case: 3-6 Good Slightly oxidized”

Open research questions

  • What is the full provenance of this specific clock prior to its appearance at auction?
  • Is there a specific workshop location for J.B. Beguin in Paris?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J.B. Beguin Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ.B. Beguin“J.B. BEGUIN”
Movement dimensions90 x 68 mm“90 x 68 mm., rectangular gilt brass”
Striking mechanismGrande and petite sonnerie“grande and petite sonnerie striking and repeating”
EscapementLateral lever“platform escapement with lateral lever”
BalanceCut bimetallic compensation balance“cut bimetallic compensation balance”
Dimensions180 mm height“Height 180”
Signature locationDial and movement“Signature Dial and movement”

Visible details

  • Gilt brass case with cast decorative figures
  • Engraved gilt dial plate with central white enamel chapter ring
  • Inset sub-dials for date and day of the week
  • Scrolling handle at top of the clock

Research qualifications

  • Overhaul recommended for movement functionality
  • Slight oxidation reported on the case

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

Consulted source

J.B. BEGUIN, FRANCE, CARRIAGE CLOCK, GRANDE AND PETITE SONNERIE CARRIAGE CLOCK WITH DATE, DAY OF THE WEEK, ALARM, GILT BRASS

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record e2cd339f2b

Terms in this record

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

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