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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Globe clock

Redier et Cie Gilt-Brass and Enamel Globe Clock

Partially verified

This globe clock by Redier et Cie, dating to circa 1875, features an eight-day movement with a cylinder escapement, housed within an enamelled globe. The globe displays coloured continents and longitude lines. Time is indicated by a blued metal pointer extending from the North Pole, set against a gilt equatorial ring. This ring is embellished with two sets of 12-hour numerals on enamel bosses, interleaved with an engraved band of quarter-hour indicators and a secondary band of 12-hour numerals. The assembly is supported on an inclined axis within a gilt-brass gimbal and set upon a baluster-turned socle and an octagonal red marble plinth. The movement is wound using a specific two-prong key inserted into the base of the globe and gimbal mechanism. The clock is signed with the maker's monogram and inscription 'REDIER A PARIS 1873.'

Full view of the Redier et Cie globe clock, showing the gilt-brass equatorial ring, the pointer, and the baluster-turned base.
Full view of the Redier et Cie globe clock, showing the gilt-brass equatorial ring, the pointer, and the baluster-turned base. — Olympia Auctions (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Globe clock
Maker / attribution
Redier et Cie
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
222
Source-reported date
circa 1875
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

Construction and Dial Layout

The clock is designed as a celestial globe, with the movement contained within the enamelled sphere. The surface of the globe features longitude lines and delineated continents in varying colours. The time-telling mechanism is integrated into an equatorial band made of gilt brass. This band presents two sets of 12-hour numerals fixed on enamel bosses.

Between these numerals, the equatorial ring contains two specific bands of engraving: one serving as a marker for quarter-hour intervals and another featuring a series of 12-hour numerals. A blued metal pointer originates from the North Pole of the globe to indicate the time against the equatorial ring.

Evidence for this section
  • “the gilt equatorial ring applied with two sets of 12 hour numerals on enamel bosses between a band of engraved quarter hour indicators and a band engraved with further 12 hour numerals”
  • “a blued metal pointer from the North pole indicating the time against the ring”

Mounting and Movement

The internal eight-day movement utilises a cylinder escapement. The globe is mounted on an inclined axis and held within a gilt-brass gimbal frame. The stability of the globe's position is maintained by a concealed counterweight system.

The entire assembly rests on a baluster-turned socle, which is positioned on an octagonal red marble plinth. Winding is facilitated by a two-prong key that enters the base of the gimbal to engage the internal mechanism, allowing the globe to be rotated for the winding process.

Evidence for this section
  • “the eight day movement with cylinder escapement and concealed winding contained within an enamelled globe”
  • “the globe on an inclined axis mounted in a gilt-brass gimbal, the position maintained by a concealed counterweight”
  • “with a two-prong key to be inserted into the base of the gimbal and globe allowing the globe to be rotated to wind the movement”

Signatures and Attribution

The clock is attributed to the Parisian maker Redier et Cie. The object bears a monogram identifying Antoine Redier, positioned within a shield. Further identification is provided by an inscription placed beneath the equatorial ring on the globe itself, reading 'REDIER A PARIS 1873.'

Antoine Redier was a recognised clockmaker who obtained multiple patents for time-keeping and recording devices throughout his career.

Evidence for this section
  • “signed with a monogram for Antoine Redier within a shield and above also signed ‘REDIER A PARIS 1873.’”
  • “Antoine Redier (1817-1892) was an innovative clock-maker, credited with the development of the portable ‘bedside’ alarm clock”

Open research questions

  • Are there known variations in the colour schemes of the enamelled continents for this specific model?
  • What are the precise technical specifications of the concealed counterweight mechanism used to maintain the globe's orientation?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Redier et Cie Gilt-Brass and Enamel Globe Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement typeeight day movement with cylinder escapement“the eight day movement with cylinder escapement”
Dimensions18cm high“18cm high”
SignaturesMonogram and text on the globe“signed with a monogram for Antoine Redier within a shield and above also signed ‘REDIER A PARIS 1873.’”
Base materialRed marble“red marble octagonal plinth”
Winding mechanismConcealed winding requiring a two-prong key“with a two-prong key to be inserted into the base of the gimbal and globe allowing the globe to be rotated to wind the movement”

Visible details

  • Gilt-brass gimbal support with inclined axis
  • Enamelled globe with visible cartography and longitudinal lines
  • Two-prong winding key insertion point at the base of the gimbal
  • Red marble octagonal base

Research qualifications

  • The internal state of the cylinder escapement is not detailed
  • The functionality of the concealed winding and counterweight system is not verified by current inspection

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

Consulted source

A FRENCH GILT-BRASS AND ENAMEL 'GLOBE' CLOCK, REDIER ET CIE, PARIS, CIRCA 1875

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 613b371ab7

Terms in this record

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

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