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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Large French carriage clock

Partially verified

This French carriage clock is an large, multi-functional timepiece measuring 24 centimeters in height. The exterior is constructed from polished, bronze-toned metal and features a fluted, hinged carrying handle at the top. A distinguishing feature is the integrated navigation suite located on the top surface, protected by a glass cover; this assembly contains a compass with directional markers and a curved thermometer display calibrated in both Reaumur and Fahrenheit scales. The primary dial features an outer ring with decorative Arabic numerals, while the center displays two winding apertures and an opening to reveal components of the escapement and oscillator. According to the source, the clock is equipped with an 8-day mechanical movement capable of striking a gong. The overall condition of the external components is reported as clean and well-maintained, though the specific service history remains undocumented.

Front view of the large French carriage clock showing the dial, handle, and exposed escapement.
Front view of the large French carriage clock showing the dial, handle, and exposed escapement. — Dutch Time Pieces. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Not established
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

Design and Construction

The design includes a fluted, hinged handle for portability, a characteristic detail of the carriage clock form.

The timepiece is distinguished by a multifunctional top plate. Beneath a glass lens, the clock incorporates an integrated navigational and meteorological assembly. This consists of a central compass dial marked with cardinal directions and a curved thermometer displaying scales for both Fahrenheit and Reaumur temperature measurements, offering a practical combination for travel.

Evidence for this section
  • “ساعت مسافرتی فرانسوی (Carriage Clock) در ابعاد بزرگ”
  • “بدنه ساعت از فلز صیقلی با رنگ طلایی/برنزی ساخته شده و مجهز به یک دسته متحرک شیاردار در بالا است”
  • “در نمای فوقانی، زیر شیشه محافظ، دماسنج خمیده با درجه‌بندی‌های سانتی‌گراد/رومیور (Reaumur) و فارنهایت (Fahrenheit) به همراه عقربه و صفحه قطب‌نما”

Dial and Movement

The main dial features an outer chapter ring adorned with Arabic numerals. The central portion of the dial is recessed and provides two visible winding apertures. An exposed aperture in the center allows for a direct view of the clock's escapement and oscillating balance wheel, a visual feature often sought in such timepieces.

According to the auction description, the clock is powered by a mechanical movement designed for an 8-day power reserve. The system includes an audible striking mechanism that sounds upon a gong, providing time-keeping functionality consistent with the intended use of a traveling clock. The internal mechanics are described as having the capacity for an 8-day duration between manual windings.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور مکانیکی کوکی با کارکرد ۸ روزه (8 day)”
  • “مجهز به سیستم زنگ با ضربه روی گونگ (Strikes the gong)”
  • “دریچه‌ای برای نمایان بودن اجزای چرخ‌دنگ و نوسان‌ساز طراحی شده است”

Condition and Maintenance

The external appearance of the clock is reported to be clean and of high quality based on the provided photographs. There is no information available regarding the clock's specific service history, nor are there records confirming the accuracy of its timekeeping performance.

Because the source provides no details regarding potential maker marks or serial numbers, these aspects should also be examined on the movement plates to determine the object's specific history.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه و اجزای ظاهری مطابق تصاویر ارائه‌شده از کیفیت و تمیزی مناسبی برخوردار هستند”
  • “در توضیحات منبع اطلاعاتی درباره آخرین تاریخچه سرویس یا میزان دقیق نگهداشت زمان درج نشده است”
  • “وجود مهرهای سازنده یا شماره‌های سریال احتمالی روی صفحات موتور را به‌صورت مستقل بررسی نمایند”

Open research questions

  • Does the clock contain any hidden maker's signatures on the inner movement plates?
  • Is the thermometer assembly fully operational and intact?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Large French carriage clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
TypeCarriage clock“ساعت مسافرتی (Carriage Clock)”
OriginFrance“فرانسه (طبق منبع)”
Height24 cm“ارتفاع این ساعت ۲۴ سانتی‌متر اعلام شده است”
Movement duration8 days“موتور مکانیکی کوکی با کارکرد ۸ روزه (8 day)”
Striking mechanismGong“مجهز به سیستم زنگ با ضربه روی گونگ (Strikes the gong)”
Dial featuresArabic numerals“حلقه بیرونی روشن با ارقام عربی تزئینی”
Top instrumentsThermometer and compass“مجموعه ترکیبی شامل قطب‌نمای ناوبری و دماسنج قوسی با دو مقیاس اندازه‌گیری تعبیه شده است”

Visible details

  • Hinged carrying handle with fluted detailing
  • Integrated compass and curved thermometer on top
  • Two winding arbors on the main dial

Research qualifications

  • Unverified current working condition of the 8-day movement
  • Unverified functionality of the thermometer and compass mechanisms

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

Consulted source

Large French carriage clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 6387f27b21

Terms in this record

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

Other carriage clock records