7 FRENCH CLOCKS | Halim Museum

CLOCKS OF THE WORLD GALLERY
French Clocks

Clock as Tribute to Napoleon Presented by the People of Lyons in Honor of his Egyptian Campaign

Early French Clocks

The French were already making clocks and watches by the 16th century. But it was not until 1657 when Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens invented the pendulum clock and demonstrated it in Paris that clockmaking became an artistic and economic force in France.

France was one of the first countries to embrace this new, groundbreaking invention. By 1660, French horologists were producing clocks based on Huygens’s design. Called pendules religieuses, the name likely derives from the somber appearance of the clocks.

During the first decade of production, all pendules religieuses closely resembled Huygens’s original design, both internally and externally. But soon after, French clock cases became more elaborate and varied. During this period, the clock was transformed from a utilitarian object to a fashionable piece of decor. Within another decade, sculptural elements became integral to clock case design, and curved lines were introduced.

With this emphasis on aesthetics, few French horologists focused on technical innovation or increased accuracy. Therefore, throughout the period, clocks became more beautiful, but the movement barely changed.

Hour and Quarter Hour Repeating Bracket Clock by Antione Gaudron I

Pendule Religieuse with Hour/Half Hour Strike by Balthazar Martinot II

Pendule Religieuse Clock with Hour/Half Hour Strike by Samuel Panier

Hour Striking Pendule Religieuse Clock by Jean Hubert a Roen

One-Handed Pendule Religieuse Clock by Claude Pascal

Régence Period Mantel Clock Edma Ballios

Mantel Clock with Pull Repeat and Bracket by Charles Dallier

Skeleton Clocks

The British developed elaborate skeleton clocks to highlight the exquisite machinery, and again, the inner beauty of the clock. During the 19th century, when these clocks were most popular, people were fascinated with all things mechanical. Skeletonized clocks were popular entertainment during parties and other small gatherings – the reality TV of their day.

French Musical and Quarter Striking Skeleton Table Regulator by Francois Sagniez

Skeleton Clock in the Form of Brighton Pavilion by John Smith & Sons (attrib.)

Grand Sonnerie Skeleton Table Regulator by Constantin Louis Detouche

Three-Train Quarter-Chime Skeleton Clock

Quarter-Chiming and Musical Skeleton Clock by Nicole Freres (Musical Movement)

Month-Gong and Striking Skeleton Clock with Calendar and Moon Phases by Verneuil Jeune

Month-Gong Skeleton Table Regulator with Remontoire, Equation of Time, and Calendar by Jean-Louis Bouchet

Mantel Clocks

Through each passing decade of the 17th century, French clocks became steadily more ornate and sculptural, quickly advancing to the avant-garde case-making style we see as commonplace is French pre-revolution clock design. This style was popularized in part by the royal family, who invited artists and craftsmen of all types to take residence at the Louvre, where they could collaborate on a variety of art objects, including clocks. This collaboration produced clocks of exquisite beauty and immense variety.: the best bronze sculptors, porcelain modelers, cabinetmakers, and clockmakers created works of art in their clocks. From classical imagery to life-like animal form clocks, French pieces like these have no equal in their visual impact.