History of Antique French Clocks

France is famed for it clocks.

The invention of the spring-powered clock around 1510 is thought to have taken place in Germany. This was the beginning of the development of clocks and the manufacture of a wide variety of clock types. French antique clocks have become much sought after and can cost several thousands of dollars. Many people associate French clocks with the quintessential French carriage clock, many of which were exported to England. French mantel and long-case clocks have also become valuable.

Regency Period

Some clocks from this period (1715-1723) were balloon-shaped and made of carved wood, marquetry or bronze. Clocks were often produced to be hung on the wall, though long-case clocks, i.e., standing clocks, were also much in demand. Long-case clocks from this period are quite difficult to find today. They are easy to distinguish from their English counterparts, having a rounded top and often a silvered dial. They have complex movements, with dates and moon-phases frequently included. The more elaborate clocks were still mainly to be found in the homes of the wealthy.

Louis XVI Period (1750-1790)

This was the great period in French clock production. Clocks had become more accurate and it was common to have glass doors on the front of the clock and a bronze headpiece on top. Clocks were ornate and gilded. From 1750 onwards, cartel clocks were produced. These had a cast brass and gilded case, an enamel dial and spring-driven movements. Decorations on the case were delicate and ornate and included scrolls, flowers and figurines.

The Empire Period (1799-1815)

This was a period where ormolu and ornamentation remained popular in French clocks. Classic Greek and Roman figures were incorporated into the casing of table clocks. In the 1800s, the Gothic style began to be incorporated into French design and clocks were made to look like Gothic cathedrals in miniature and were very ornate. The so-called "skeleton clocks" became popular, in which the workings of the clock were visible through the case. The mechanism was protected by a glass covering.

The 20th Century

French clock-making was influenced by the arts and crafts movement, art deco and art nouveau. Some of the aesthetic of the art deco movement called for stronger and bolder lines. Many clocks were made with glass, marble and onyx. Clock decorations included figures from mythology, humans and animals. French carriage clocks, which were exported from France to Britain from 1830 onwards, had virtually disappeared from production by the mid-20th century, though they have since made a comeback.

French Specialities

The most famous French clockmaker was Abraham Louis Brequet (1747-1823). Though he was born in Switzerland, he made his career in clock-making in France. The best-known French clocks are the long case; the skeleton; the French cartel, which hung on the wall and had quite a rough-looking back; and French mantel clocks. The latter were placed on a mantelpiece and quite often accompanied by candlesticks or other ornamentation. French mantel clocks were mass-produced in the provinces but finished to a high standard in Paris.

References

• French clocks
• history of french clocks