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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Neuchâtel pendulum clock · La Chaux-de-Fonds

Neuchâtel clock with grande sonnerie

Verified

Black-painted wooden case decorated with floral motifs in rust-colored camaïeu and gilt foliage motifs. Console with a red-painted hunting dog figure. The top is surmounted by an ovoid finial. The guilloché bronze bezel is connected to the oval aperture by an element on which the locking knob pivots. The bezel carries a convex glass and the aperture. Known as a “separate aperture” (“guichet séparé”). “Aimé Billon” punch mark on the locking knob. Rear door stamped “Aé Bn”.

Technical facts

Inventory number
MIH IV-742
Object type
Neuchâtel pendulum clock
Place of production
La Chaux-de-Fonds
Dating
1840 - 1850
Materials and techniques (catalogue wording)
Bois, Laiton, Émail, Verre
Dimensions (catalogue)
dimensions: 95.0 x 35.0 x 15.0 cm
Inscriptions (catalogue)
Aimé Billon (Poinçonné sur le bouton de verrou); Aé Bn (Porte arrière estampillée)

Historical significance

  • Black-painted wooden case decorated with floral motifs in rust-colored camaïeu and gilt foliage motifs. Console with a red-painted hunting dog figure. The top is surmounted by an ovoid finial. The guilloché bronze bezel is connected to the oval aperture by an element on which the locking knob pivots. The bezel carries a convex glass and the aperture. Known as a “separate aperture” (“guichet séparé”). “Aimé Billon” punch mark on the locking knob. Rear door stamped “Aé Bn”.
  • Convex white enamel dial. Blued-steel hands with two engraved and gilt-brass flowers decorated with translucent stones.
  • Grande sonnerie movement with alarm, striking the hours and quarters, with automatic changeover to petite sonnerie at 6 o’clock. Lever escapement with moderate recoil, spring-blade suspension, large pendulum bob, eight-day power reserve. Rack striking mechanism operating on two gongs fixed inside the case.

Photographs

Neuchâtel clock with grande sonnerie (MIH IV-742)
Neuchâtel clock with grande sonnerie (MIH IV-742) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record
Neuchâtel clock with grande sonnerie (MIH IV-742)
Neuchâtel clock with grande sonnerie (MIH IV-742) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record
Neuchâtel clock with grande sonnerie (MIH IV-742)
Neuchâtel clock with grande sonnerie (MIH IV-742) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record

Photographs are illustrative examples of the type, not necessarily the exact object described. Verify details against the source file page.

Sources & references

  1. Musée international d'horlogerie, online collection record, inv. IV-742: https://collection.mih.ch/fr/collection/item/39410/

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