Collecting 101

1.

History of the Carriage Clock

The origins of the carriage clock can be traced back to a clock created for Napoleon at the close of the 18th century. The great French clockmaker, Abraham Louis Breguet, produced a pendule d’officier (‘officer’s clock’) for the military leader.

A forerunner to the carriage clock, the pendule d’officier has a balance, rather than a pendulum, meaning it can be transported without having to be reset. Appropriately enough, the case of the clock made for Napoleon is in the ‘empire’ style, which is the basis for the iconic shape of carriage clocks we recognise today. In December 2019, the second carriage clock ever made was sold by Bonhams for £295,000. Made by Breguet & Fils in 1796, it is an exceptionally fine ormolu timepiece.

The 19th century and rise of travel

As travel by rail and road became more popular, so did the carriage clock. By the 1860s, this portable timepiece was entering its heyday, and was being produced on a large scale. Most of the production took place in French factories throughout the Franche-Comte, but English clockmakers also capitalised on the demand. The most ornate and interesting carriage clocks were made before World War I, after which, mainly simple, plain versions were produced.

2.

Style

Many of the most valuable styles of carriage clocks were introduced in the second half of the 19th century. These cases all have intricate and labour-intensive mouldings, which only the best clockmakers had the expertise to produce.

The ‘gorge’ case, which appeared in the 1850s, is so called because of the ogee mouldings.

The ‘Anglaise’ case followed a few years later, characterised by a rectangular plinth and handle.

At around 1870, the influence of Oriental art emerged with the ‘bamboo’ case, in which the clock appears supported by stylised sticks of bamboo.

The most elaborate styles of carriage clocks were produced towards the end of the century: gilt cases loaded with Rococo flourishes and buttressed with caryatids, surrounding highly decorated enamel porcelain panels.

3.

French and Continental Makers

Throughout the 19th century, Paris was a hotbed of horological innovation. In the 1820s, Henri Jacot started a business that would become renowned for producing some of the finest carriage clocks, all bearing the maker’s mark of a parrot (the meaning of ‘jacot’). Following Henri’s death in 1868, the business was taken over by his nephew of the same name, and Jacot continued producing superb timepieces until the company’s closure in 1920.

In the second half of the 19th century, Pierre and Alfred Drocourt were arguably the most celebrated carriage clock makers in France. The firm was founded by Pierre, who was succeeded by his son, Alfred, and their highly decorative clocks won a series of medals at Paris Exhibitions. Another important name from this era is François-Arsène Margaine. A contemporary of Alfred Drocourt and an influential figure in Paris’ horological scene, this innovator produced exquisite carriage clocks bearing the initials “AM”.

While France may be the home of the carriage clock, collectors should also look out for the Swiss watch and clockmaker, Courvoisier. The firm had a long and impressive history and operated under various iterations of the Courvoisier name from 1878 until the early 20th century. Some clocks attributed to Courvoisier were sold under the name Klentschi, after an esteemed clockmaker who worked for the firm.

4.

English Makers

In Victorian England, the carriage clock was a must-have accessory. Initially, they were imported from France, but the best British clockmakers soon caught on and began producing equally complex and collectible timepieces.

Carriage clocks by prestigious makers such as Frodsham, Dent and McCabe can fetch up to £100,000 at auction. These firms were founded by celebrated horologists who were at the forefront of Victorian innovation. Accordingly, carriage clocks bearing their maker’s marks are highly sought-after as examples of their technical prowess and intricate craftmanship.

5.

Your Carriage Clock Collection

How to assess a carriage clock

When assessing a carriage clock, the first step is to identify the clockmaker. The French, continental and English makers mentioned above are the most prestigious; throughout the 19th century and into the early 20th century they produced the most sophisticated, attractive and valuable carriage clocks.

Next, consider the complexity of the movement. Clocks that have added mechanisms such as an alarm, day of the week, date of the month, or a moon phase are all more valuable and have the aesthetic appeal of extra features on the clock face. The striking system can also add value. Most carriage clocks will strike on the hour and half past the hour; clocks with more complex striking systems are more expensive. The petite sonnerie system strikes the number of hours on the hour, and strikes each quarter hour, while the grande sonnerie strikes the number of hours on the hour, and the number of hours on each quarter-hour strike.

Craftsmanship and size

The craftmanship involved in making the case should equal the expertise of the clockmaking itself. Enamel or porcelain panels are desirable, particularly if the scene depicted is an interesting subject matter, rendered in attractive colours with great skill. Three painted panels are standard, those with four or even five panels will command a premium. Other treatments to look out for include engraving, which are relatively common, and the inclusion of semi-precious stones, which are extremely rare and valuable. Regarding size, carriage clocks that deviate from the standard size are of note, whether giant or miniature.

Further reading

For collectors conducting further research, the following two books are highly recommended: Carriage Clocks: Their History and Development by Charles Allix and Peter Bonnert, published by Antique Collectors Club, and Carriage and Other Travelling Clocks by Derek Roberts, published by Schiffer.