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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Astronomical table clock

Jacob Zech Astronomical Table Clock for King Sigismund I

Partially verified

This Renaissance drum-shaped astronomical table clock was crafted in Prague by Jacob Zech in 1525, reportedly carrying a Latin inscription translated as 'In the year 1525 Jacob Zech made me in Prague – it is true.' According to the source, it was commissioned for King Sigismund I of Poland and currently belongs to the Society of Antiquaries of London, where it is considered the earliest dated astronomical table clock in England. The clock features an engraved cylindrical gilt or brass case decorated with elaborate scrolling foliate motifs and heraldic arms, topped by an astronomical dial plate with touch pins.

Oblique view of the 1525 Jacob Zech astronomical table clock showing the engraved cylindrical case and astronomical dial
Oblique view of the 1525 Jacob Zech astronomical table clock showing the engraved cylindrical case and astronomical dial — Jacob Zech. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
jacob-zech.com
Category
Clock · Astronomical table clock
Maker / attribution
Jacob Zech
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1525
Country
Czech Republic

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

Historical Attribution and Inscription

According to the source documentation, this astronomical table clock was crafted in Prague in 1525 by Jacob Zech (also known as Jakub Čech). The text states that the clock bears a Latin inscription translated as: “In the year 1525 Jacob Zech made me in Prague – it is true.”

The source reports that the piece was commissioned for King Sigismund I of Poland. It is stated to now belong to the Society of Antiquaries of London and is described as the earliest dated astronomical table clock in England.

Evidence for this section
  • “The astronomical table clock, crafted in Prague by Jacob Zech in 1525, bears the Latin inscription: “In the year 1525 Jacob Zech made me in Prague – it is true.””
  • “Commissioned for King Sigismund I of Poland, it now belongs to the Society of Antiquaries of London and is considered the earliest dated astronomical table clock in England”

Case Construction and Heraldic Decoration

Visual observation indicates a cylindrical drum-style case of brass or gilt metal, engraved with intricate scrolling foliage.

On the case side, an engraved heraldic shield depicts an undulating serpent device surmounted by a crown. A section of an adjacent metal clockwork frame with cut gear wheels is also visible in the lower right area of the image.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cylindrical brass or gilt-metal drum-style case engraved with intricate scrolling foliage.”
  • “Prominent heraldic shield on the case side depicting an undulating serpent device surmounted by a crown.”
  • “Part of an adjacent metal clockwork frame with cut gear wheels is visible at the lower right.”

Dial Plate and Astronomical Indications

The horizontal top dial plate is engraved with astronomical markings, zodiac/astrological details, and hour divisions marked by raised touch pins.

At the center of the upper plate is a revolving dial assembly with an extended arm terminating in a circular disc pointer.

Evidence for this section
  • “Horizontal top dial plate engraved with astronomical markings, zodiac/astrological details, and hour divisions marked by raised touch pins.”
  • “Central revolving dial assembly with an extended arm ending in a circular disc pointer.”

Open research questions

  • What is the exact transcribed Latin text of the maker's inscription recorded on the clock case or dial?
  • Does the Society of Antiquaries of London catalogue confirm the heraldry on the drum side as that of King Sigismund I or Bona Sforza?
  • What specific internal movement components, such as a fusee or balance mechanism, are preserved within the clockwork visible in the collection?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jacob Zech Astronomical Table Clock for King Sigismund I
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and Creation YearJacob Zech, 1525“crafted in Prague by Jacob Zech in 1525”
Latin Inscription TranslationIn the year 1525 Jacob Zech made me in Prague – it is true.““In the year 1525 Jacob Zech made me in Prague – it is true.””
CommissionKing Sigismund I of Poland“Commissioned for King Sigismund I of Poland”
Current RepositorySociety of Antiquaries of London“it now belongs to the Society of Antiquaries of London”
Maker Alternate NameJakub Čech“Jacob Zech (also known as Jakub Čech)”
Status in EnglandEarliest dated astronomical table clock in England“considered the earliest dated astronomical table clock in England”

Visible details

  • Cylindrical brass or gilt-metal drum-style case engraved with intricate scrolling foliage.
  • Prominent heraldic shield on the case side depicting an undulating serpent device surmounted by a crown.
  • Horizontal top dial plate engraved with astronomical markings, zodiac/astrological details, and hour divisions marked by raised touch pins.
  • Central revolving dial assembly with an extended arm ending in a circular disc pointer.
  • Part of an adjacent metal clockwork frame with cut gear wheels is visible at the lower right.

Research qualifications

  • Source is a commercial brand history page rather than an institutional museum catalogue.
  • All historical context regarding commission, maker inscription, and repository relies on the provided web page text.

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

Consulted source

History

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record beedd51cc9

Terms in this record

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