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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton pendulum clock

Musée International d'Horlogerie Breguet 'À Trois Roues' reproduction pendulum clock

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this polished brass skeleton clock is a 1983 reproduction of Abraham-Louis Breguet's clock no. 3583 (likely dating from 1820), produced by the Musée International d'Horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds as number 3 of 10. The source states the movement incorporates a grasshopper escapement, a knife-edge pendulum suspension, and bimetallic temperature compensation. Mounted on a black marble base inscribed with Breguet plaques and a gilt-brass initial, it features three vertically arranged silvered chapter rings: seconds at the top, mean and true solar time in the center, and Gregorian and Republican calendars at the bottom.

Front view of the polished brass skeleton clock on black marble base showing vertical chapter rings and calendar display
Front view of the polished brass skeleton clock on black marble base showing vertical chapter rings and calendar display — Galerie Moenius AG / LOERKE KUNSTAUKTIONEN AG via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton pendulum clock
Maker / attribution
Musée International d'Horlogerie
Reference
No. 3583 replica (edition 3/10)
Catalogue / lot identifier
324
Source-reported date
1983
Country
Switzerland

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

Object Identity and Reproduction Context

This clock is a 1983 reproduction of the original A.L. Breguet pendulum clock no. 3583, reported to date from approximately 1820. The object is identified as the third piece in a limited edition of ten, produced by the Musée International d'Horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds.

Mounted on a black marble base, the piece features an applied gilt-brass initial 'B' within an oval cartouche and plaques inscribed 'Breguet et fils N. 1502'. The overall dimensions of the reproduction are 30.5 x 19.5 x 60 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Replica of clock no. 3583 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, likely dating from 1820; produced in 1983 by the Musée International d'Horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds. 3/10.”
  • “Mounted on a black marble base featuring an applied gilt-brass "B" and plaques inscribed "Breguet et fils N. 1502."”
  • “30.5 x 19.5 x 60 cm”

Construction and Dial Configuration

Constructed of polished brass, the skeletonized case is engraved with days of the week. The timekeeping display consists of three vertically aligned, silvered, and engraved chapter rings. The uppermost ring indicates seconds, while the central ring features two twelve-hour scales to display true solar time and mean time, with a three-armed hand on the intermediate wheel indicating minutes.

The bottom dial is a calibrated, fan-shaped display providing Gregorian and Republican calendar information. A small, separate sector-shaped dial is included to indicate temperature fluctuations.

Evidence for this section
  • “Polished brass. Skeletonized case, engraved with the days of the week.”
  • “Three silvered, engraved chapter rings arranged vertically: the bottom one displays the Gregorian and Republican calendars; the large central ring features two twelve-hour scales, with two indicators showing true solar time and mean time.”
  • “A small sector-shaped dial indicates temperature fluctuations.”

Movement Mechanics

The clock is powered by two weights suspended on chains; their position indicates the day, which is engraved on the movement plate. The movement incorporates a grasshopper escapement, with the pendulum suspended on a knife-edge pivot.

Temperature compensation is achieved via bimetallic strips positioned above the pendulum suspension, with adjustment provided by a threaded weight.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is powered by two weights suspended on chains; their position indicates the day, which is engraved on the movement plate.”
  • “Movement with grasshopper escapement; the pendulum is suspended on a knife-edge pivot.”
  • “Compensation is achieved via bimetallic strips above the pendulum suspension, with adjustment provided by a threaded weight.”

Open research questions

  • What specific documentation exists within the Musée International d'Horlogerie regarding the fabrication process of this 1983 edition?
  • Does the inscription 'Breguet et fils N. 1502' appear on all ten units in this edition?
  • What is the operational status of the movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Musée International d'Horlogerie Breguet 'À Trois Roues' reproduction pendulum clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and DateMusée International d'Horlogerie, 1983“produced in 1983 by the Musée International d'Horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds.”
Dimensions30.5 x 19.5 x 60 cm“30.5 x 19.5 x 60 cm”
EscapementGrasshopper escapement“Movement with grasshopper escapement; the pendulum is suspended on a knife-edge pivot.”
Base InscriptionBreguet et fils N. 1502“plaques inscribed "Breguet et fils N. 1502."”
Dial DisplaysGregorian and Republican calendars, equation of time, seconds“the bottom one displays the Gregorian and Republican calendars; the large central ring features two twelve-hour scales, with two indicators showing true solar time and mean time.”

Visible details

  • Front central brass pillar is engraved in French script with the days of the week from 'Dimanche' to 'Samedi'
  • Black marble stepped plinth features an applied gilt-brass cursive 'B' insignia within an oval cartouche
  • Calibrated silvered fan-shaped calendar dial at the base accompanied by two small brass plaques

Research qualifications

  • Functionality has not been tested by the auction house
  • Glass dome is not shown in the primary photograph, though the base profile accommodates one

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

Consulted source

At Auction: FAITHFUL REPRODUCTION OF A PENDULUM CLOCK "À TROIS ROUES" BY ABRAHAM-LOUIS BREGUET

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 3cf8212322

Terms in this record

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