Clock · Crystal regulator clock

Samuel Marti et Cie French Crystal Regulator Clock

Partially verified

This early 20th-century French crystal regulator clock, attributed to Samuel Marti et Cie, features a brass four-glass case set with bevelled glass panels on all sides. It encloses a white dial with Roman numerals and two winding arbors, accompanied by a mercury-style compensating pendulum. Sourced records note a round movement medallion marked 'Medaille d'Argent - Marti et Cie - 1889' alongside a Brocot escapement. Measuring 26.5 cm high by 16 cm wide and 13 cm deep, it strikes on the hour and half hour.

Front view of the brass and bevelled glass crystal regulator clock showing dial and pendulum — Antiques Boutique / Marlborough Antiques & Interiors. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.antiquesboutique.com
Category: Clock · Crystal regulator clock
Maker / attribution: Samuel Marti et Cie
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 13731 (AB-291016)
Source-reported date: circa 1900
Country: 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

Case Construction and Exterior Observations

The clock is presented as a French crystal regulator, also referred to by the dealer as a 'four glass clock', dating to circa 1900. The case is constructed from brass and fitted with bevelled glass panels on all sides.

Direct visual observation confirms a four-sided glazed brass case displaying surface tarnish and age wear, particularly on the base. Dealer specifications record the exterior dimensions as 26.5 cm in height, 16 cm in width, and 13 cm in depth.

Evidence for this section

“A french Crystal Regulator Clock sometimes called a 'four glass clock' c1900.”
“The case is brass with bevelled glass panel to all sides”
“Four-sided glazed brass case showing surface tarnish and age wear on the metal base”
“W: 16cm (6.3") H: 26.5cm (10.4") D: 13cm (5.1")”

Dial and Pendulum Assembly

Visual examination shows a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and two winding apertures located at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions. Suspended below the dial is a visible twin-jar pendulum designed in a mercury-compensating style.

The seller describes the movement as featuring a visible Brocot escapement and a mercury-style compensating pendulum. It is reportedly set to strike the corresponding count for the hours and strike on the half hour.

Evidence for this section

“White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and two winding holes at 4 and 8 o'clock”
“Visible pendulum suspended below the movement featuring two simulated mercury jars”
“movement being visible Brocot eacapement and mercury style compensating pendulum.”
“it strikes the corresponding amount for hours and on half hour.”

Reported Movement Markings and Condition Limitations

The dealer reports that the movement features a round medallion inscribed 'Medaille d'Argent - Marti et Cie - 1889', identifying the maker as Samuel Marti. However, because only a frontal photograph is available in the provided record, rear plate stamps, medallions, and internal serial numbers are not visible for verification.

According to the listing, the clock was acquired from a deceased estate, has uncleaned brass with minor wear, has not been wound recently, and is believed by the seller to be 'over wound' and in need of service.

Evidence for this section

“It has a round medallion reading 'Medaille d'Argent - Marti et Cie - 1889' maker being Samuel Marti one of the major French clock movement manufacturers of the era.”
“Comes from a deceased estate and was working always has not be wound up since and brass not cleaned and has small wear.”
“We believe that it is currently over wound which needs attending to but it strikes the corresponding amount for hours and on half hour.”

Open research questions

What caliber markings, batch numbers, or additional stamps are present on the rear plate alongside the 1889 Medaille d'Argent roundel?
Do the pendulum jars contain actual mercury or simulated metal/lead inserts?
What specific mechanical condition or spring stoppage is causing the clock to be described as 'over wound'?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Samuel Marti et Cie French Crystal Regulator Clock
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker attribution	Samuel Marti	“maker being Samuel Marti one of the major French clock movement manufacturers of the era.”
Movement medallion	Medaille d'Argent - Marti et Cie - 1889	“It has a round medallion reading 'Medaille d'Argent - Marti et Cie - 1889'”
Case material	Brass with bevelled glass panels	“The case is brass with bevelled glass panel to all sides”
Dimensions	W: 16cm, H: 26.5cm, D: 13cm	“W: 16cm (6.3") H: 26.5cm (10.4") D: 13cm (5.1")”
Striking function	Strikes hours and half hour	“it strikes the corresponding amount for hours and on half hour.”
Alternative nomenclature	Four glass clock	“A french Crystal Regulator Clock sometimes called a 'four glass clock' c1900.”
Movement medallion inscription	Medaille d'Argent - Marti et Cie - 1889	“It has a round medallion reading 'Medaille d'Argent - Marti et Cie - 1889'”
Dealer item code	13731 (AB-291016)	“Code 13731 (AB-291016)”

Visible details

White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and two winding holes at 4 and 8 o'clock
Visible pendulum suspended below the movement featuring two simulated mercury jars
Four-sided glazed brass case showing surface tarnish and age wear on the metal base

Research qualifications

Movement medallion and rear movement details are not visible in the front photograph
Source notes the clock has not been cleaned or recently wound and may require servicing

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

Consulted source

A French Crystal Regulator Clock c1900 By Samuel Marti et Cie in Antique Grandfather Clocks

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 443fb1ae73

Terms in this record

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

Other crystal regulator clock records

Marti et Cie. Movement Pendulum Clock