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Breguet. A very fine and rare travelling carriage clock with original leather case and key Case no. 861, Circa Late 19th century
HK$500,000 - HK$680,000
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Find your local specialistBreguet. A very fine and rare travelling carriage clock with original leather case and key
Jewelled clock movement, 8 days power reserve, enamel dial with printed roman index, detailed fancy engraving on dial and throughout the case, breguet hands, transparent glass casing allowing view of escapement, gong and internal mechanisms on the sides and the top, chiming repeater button on the top, glass swinging door on the back, accompanied by an original leather traveling case with push button lock and original winding and setting key numbered 13651 stamped with ‘Breguet 12 Rue de la Paix 42, Paris’, case, dial and movement signed 145mm x 105mm x 20mm.
Footnotes
Carriage clocks were first popularised in the late 1860s. Whilst they were typically used as travel clocks, their regal appearance often meant that they were given as presents for special occasions. They were more often than not modestly sized in a rectangular polished metal housing and designed so that the faces of the clock were clearly visible with porcelain detail and glass covers. As with this lot featured in this auction, the carriage clock usually had a large handle for ease of transport and a leather case for protection. This is a particularly fine example of a late 19th century carriage clock with all the desired characteristics of carriage clocks. Carriage clocks were designed to be hardy so as to withstand the rigors of travel and bumpy carriage rides. Equipped with chimes to mark the hours, the functionality of this particular timepiece is meticulously thought out - the leather case has a soft section thorough which the owner can sound the chimes as well as one removable side which can be slid out so that the clock can remain visible. With glass casing on the remaining three sides, the internal mechanism and elaborate complications are on display for the horological appreciator. With such attention to detail, the aesthetic aspect of the clock is not neglected, with an exquisite scrolling motif handle, fine fluted side columns and a derivation of the fleur de lis design on the border. It is little wonder that such timepieces were carried beyond the confines of carriages to sit in pride of place on mantelpieces.