Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock type · Specialist

Crucifix Clocks

Partially verified

Religious clocks in the form of a crucifix, where the time is typically shown on a rotating globe at the top.

Movement & mechanism

  • Movement housed in the base of the cross
  • Drive shaft extends up the cross to the time indicator
  • Often includes striking or alarm mechanisms

Identification

  • Form of a crucifix with Christ and sometimes other figures
  • Time shown on a rotating sphere at the top of the cross
  • Case of gilt brass or silver

Terminology

  • Religious clock
  • Rotating globe dial
  • Gilt bronze

Known variations

  • Table and wall-mounted versions

Collecting notes

Condition and originality are paramount. For technical clocks like regulators or atmospheric clocks, the completeness of the original mechanism is more important than case condition. For decorative clocks (Boulle, Empire), the quality of the case craft is central.

Diagram

escape wheelpallets and leveroscillator
Schematic: escapement arrangement. An outline schematic drawn to show the arrangement of the parts discussed here. It is not a dimensioned working drawing and does not depict a particular maker's calibre.

Sources & references

  1. Britten, F. J., Old Clocks and Watches and Their Makers
  2. Loomes, B., The Early Clockmakers of Great Britain
  3. Roberts, D., British Skeleton Clocks
  4. Museum catalogue records

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.