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Home Home and Family Accessories Carriage Clocks - The Openly Visible Mechanisms
Carriage Clocks - The Openly Visible Mechanisms PDF Print E-mail
Written by Stephanie Drouey   
Abraham Louis Breguet invented and sold the first "traveling" clock in 1798 to General Napoleon Bonaparte in Paris, France, just before he left for the Egyptian campaign. There are companies that produce authentic reproductions of not only Mr. Breguet's original Carriage Clocks, but also those of many of the great clock makers of the early eighteen hundreds.
by StephanieDrouey


Abraham Louis Breguet invented and sold the first "traveling" clock in 1798 to General Napoleon Bonaparte in Paris, France, just before he left for the Egyptian campaign. There are companies that produce authentic reproductions of not only Mr. Breguet's original Carriage Clocks, but also those of many of the great clock makers of the early eighteen hundreds.

As the name suggests, these clocks were invented in order for travelers to be able to know what time of day it was while riding in their horse-drawn carriages. The originals were all spring-driven clocks that were typically housed in a form of a metal-framed case, glazed on all four sides and set with glass. They had a handle on the top for ease of carrying. Once they were wound with a key, they usually kept time for about eight days.

The original clocks were spring-driven and contained in a metal case with a glass window in order for the owner to be able to view the clock face. A top mounted handle provided a way for anyone to easily carry the clock. Owners simply had to wind the clock with the key that was provided, and the clock would run for approximately eight days. Some had chimes or music that played to mark the hour. Others contained a bell that rang loudly to mark the passage of time.

Modern versions of these unique clocks often operate on batteries instead of the traditional spring-driven precision. Many antique collectors choose to purchase and display these clocks in their homes. Carriage Clocks hail from Belgium, France, Switzerland and Germany. Of all the different countries that produce these clocks, France is considered to have the most ornate and elaborate ones. Often, you will find that a collector chooses to display a French carriage clock on his or her mantelpiece for decorative purposes.

Some of these companies have been making Carriage Clocks for many years. Companies such as Roderick Antique Clocks, Montpellier Clocks and L'Epee. These companies buy high-quality antique clocks, lovingly restore them, and sell them. Most of the clocks are chosen for style, proportions, color and originality.

The Roderick Antique Clocks Company was founded in 1975. They buy, restore and sell all types of clocks, including longcases - carriage clocks - brackets - skeleton - decorative French mantel clocks - wall clocks and barometers. The ones they deal in are mainly of English, French and German origin. At the time of this writing, they have clocks made by famous makers Jacot, Drocourt, Brocot, Le Roy, Marc, Japy Freres, Marti, Lenzkirch, Dent, Winterhalder and Hoffmier and numerous English clockmakers.

In 1958, Montpellier Clocks was born. A knowledgeable collector can easily locate clocks that Montpellier has in stock that were made by some of the greatest clock makers in history such as Henry Hindley, Charles Frodsham and George Graham, as well as many others.

There is one company that has been in business much longer than Montpellier or Roderick. It is called L'Epee, and it came into existence in nineteenth century France, in 1839. Their original purpose was making movements, then escapements. Then, Carriage Clocks in their entirety were made in the L'Epee workshop. In 1999, the workshop was relocated to England as a result of being purchased by London clockmakers, F. A. Gluck. Currently, L'Epee continues to produce quality and precise carriage clocks that have the advantage of modern technology on their side.

About the Author:

Looking For Unique Gifts? Make sure you check Marie-Louise Figeaud's excellent Carriage Clocks Store, before you buy your Skeleton Carriage Clocks online.

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