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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Source catalogue · individual objects

Object Catalogue

Individual objects described by auction houses, specialist dealers and collection catalogues. Attribution, dates and specifications remain source-reported unless independently established; rights clearance is pending.

Browse makers and their key pieces · Robert Robin profile

3 of 5699 objects · Page 1 of 1

Dial detail of the Louis XVI mantel clock showing the enamel chapter ring, decorative hands, and signature 'Robin A Paris'

Clock · Mantel clock

A Louis XVI Ormolu Mantel Clock, by Robert Robin

According to Christie's, this Louis XVI ormolu mantel clock dates to circa 1780 and is signed by Parisian maker Robert Robin. The case is described as canted rectangular with glass sides, an ovolu and beaded cornice, acanthus spandrels, and bun feet. Its white enameled dial displays Roman hour numerals, outer Arabic five-minute indicators, pierced decorative hands, a blued pointer, and a center seconds hand with a sunburst motif. The catalog reports that both the dial and movement are signed 'Robin / A Paris', and notes that the drapery swag descending across the front is probably a later replacement.

Full description

onlineonly.christies.com · 143

The carriage clock and its leather carrying case, accompanied by a winding key.

Clock · Carriage clock

Carriage clock with case and key

This French carriage clock, standing nine inches tall, dates to 1780-1785 and features a rectangular brass or ormolu case topped with a carrying ring. The clock is fitted with rectangular hard-paste porcelain plaques on all four sides, decorated with stamped gold-leaf foils and jewelled ornament in translucent red, green, and opaque turquoise and white enamels. The enamel dial is signed by the clockmaker Robert Robin, who served as clockmaker to King Louis XVI. The movement is a platform cylinder escapement with a count-wheel striking train. This clock was bequeathed to the museum by John Jones in 1882.

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collections.vam.ac.uk · 1001-1882

Full view of the longcase clock showing the gilt-bronze figure of Father Time, the dial, and the lozenge marquetry case.

Clock · Regulator

Longcase clock (Régulateur) by Robert Robin

This longcase clock, or régulateur, features a movement by the Parisian maker Robert Robin and a case attributed to the cabinet-maker Balthazar Lieutaud. Produced in Paris between 1770 and 1775, the timepiece is constructed with a carcase of oak veneered in tulipwood and other woods. The exterior displays a lozenge marquetry pattern on the base panel and is finished with gilt-bronze mounts, including a figurative cresting depicting Father Time holding a scythe. The white enamel dial, signed 'Robin a Paris', is also marked by the enameller Elie Barbezat on the reverse. The object's structural components show a repair inscription dated 1817. While the clock is missing its original plinth, a replacement base was manufactured by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2015 to facilitate its display. The case bears the stamp of Balthazar Lieutaud in four locations, reflecting the professional collaboration common among 18th-century Parisian guild-controlled trades.

Full description

collections.vam.ac.uk · 1011:1 to 3&A -1882