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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Neuchateloise bracket clock by J. Robert et Fils

Partially verified

This Neuchateloise bracket clock with its conforming bracket is attributed to the makers J. Robert et Fils of La Chaux-de-Fonds, dating to approximately 1775. The object features a wood carcass finished with painted flower decoration against a red cracquelure ground, identified by the auction description as a Vernis Martin-style application. The case includes waisted sides with glazed apertures and is embellished with gilt-bronze foliate and floral mounts, including rococo scroll cresting and feet. The white enamel dial displays Roman numerals for hours and Arabic numerals for five-minute intervals, complemented by pierced and engraved gilt brass hands. The 8-day going movement measures 15 x 13 cm with rectangular plates and a verge escapement with silk suspension. It offers quarter-striking and pull-wind quarter-repeating functions via five hammers and two bells. The clock and its bracket measure 114 x 42 cm total.

A Neuchateloise bracket clock with a wood carcass featuring floral decoration on a red ground and an associated wall bracket.
A Neuchateloise bracket clock with a wood carcass featuring floral decoration on a red ground and an associated wall bracket. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
J. Robert et Fils
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
426
Source-reported date
circa 1775
Source-reported place
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

Case and Aesthetic Construction

The clock is housed in a wood carcass characterized by its waisted profile and distinct floral surface treatment. The auction description notes the finish as a red cracquelure ground decorated with flowers in a manner suggestive of Vernis Martin. This painted surface is framed by extensive gilt-bronze mounts, which incorporate rococo-style foliate scrolls across the crest and feet.

The case includes glazed apertures that provide visibility into the interior of the clock. A prominent feature is the hinged gilt-bronze door, which serves as a decorative element with urn and swag motifs. The design includes a matching conforming bracket, intended to support the weight of the clock while maintaining the decorative theme across the entire 114 cm assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “Wood carcass with painted ?Vernis Martin? type flower decoration on a red cracquelure ground”
  • “waisted sides with glazed apertures, gilt-bronze foliate and floral mounts, rococo foliate scroll cresting and feet”
  • “hinged gilt-bronze door with urn and swag decoration”

Movement and Functional Mechanisms

The internal movement is built upon rectangular brass plates measuring 15 by 13 cm. It utilizes large spring barrels to power both the going and the striking trains. The escapement is a traditional verge type, regulated by a silk suspension system. The clock is an 8-day timekeeper with integrated striking and repeating features.

The striking mechanism operates on five hammers striking against two bells located at the top of the case. It utilizes an outside countwheel numbered 1 through 12, complemented by a quarter-hour snail. Additionally, the mechanism is equipped with a pull-wind quarter-repeating function.

Evidence for this section
  • “rectangular brass plates, large spring barrels for both trains”
  • “verge escapement with silk suspension”
  • “striking the hours and quarters with five hammers on two bells mounted on the top of the case”
  • “pull-wind quarter-repeating, strikework on the backplate in the typical Swiss manner”

Dial and Hands

The time display consists of a white enamel dial featuring bold radial Roman numerals for the hour indications. The perimeter of the dial includes an outer minute track accompanied by Arabic numerals placed at five-minute intervals. This combination of markers provides a clear reference for both the primary time and the fractional minute readings.

The hour and minute indicators are crafted from brass and are both pierced and engraved to provide decorative detail. The hands are noted by the auction house as being original to the piece, maintaining the integrity of the dial presentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel with bold radial Roman numerals, outer minute track and Arabic five-minute numerals.”
  • “Finely pierced and engraved gilt brass hands.”
  • “HANDS Original”

Open research questions

  • What specific evidence exists to link this movement definitively to J. Robert et Fils beyond the signature on the backplate?
  • How did the 'Vernis Martin' technique translate to Swiss Neuchateloise production in the late 18th century?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Neuchateloise bracket clock by J. Robert et Fils
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ. Robert et Fils“J. Robert et Fils a la Chaux de Fonds.”
Datingcirca 1775“Made circa 1775.”
Case materialWood carcass with painted decoration and gilt-bronze mounts“Wood carcass with painted ?Vernis Martin? type flower decoration on a red cracquelure ground, waisted sides with glazed apertures, gilt-bronze foliate and floral mounts”
Dial typeWhite enamel with Roman and Arabic numerals“White enamel with bold radial Roman numerals, outer minute track and Arabic five-minute numerals.”
EscapementVerge with silk suspension“verge escapement with silk suspension”
Striking mechanismQuarter striking with five hammers on two bells“striking the hours and quarters with five hammers on two bells mounted on the top of the case”
Overall dimensions114 x 42 cm including bracket“Dim. 114 x 42 cm. including bracket.”
Provenance noteCited in La Pendulerie Neuchateloise“Listed as working in La Chaux de Fonds, See: La Pendulerie Neuchateloise, Alfred Chapuis, 1983, p. 484.”

Visible details

  • Painted floral decoration on red cracquelure background
  • Rococo gilt-bronze mounts with urn and swag motifs
  • Pierced and engraved gilt brass hands
  • Waisted case profile with glazed panels

Research qualifications

  • The exact origin of the painted decoration, described as 'Vernis Martin' type, is unverified.
  • The movement requires an overhaul as noted by the auction house condition report.

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

Consulted source

Quarter Striking & Repeating Clock J. Robert et Fils a la Chaux de Fonds.Made circa 1775. Very fine and rare, painted wood and ormolu, 8-day going, quarter striking and pull-wind quarterrepeating Neuchateloise bracket clock with conforming bracket.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 7f581c64ac

Terms in this record

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

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