Neuchateloise bracket clock by J. Robert et Fils
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1775
This Neuchateloise bracket clock with its conforming bracket is attributed to the makers J. Robert et Fils of La Chaux-de-Fonds, dating to approximately 1775. The object features a wood carcass finished with painted flower decoration against a red cracquelure ground, identified by the auction description as a Vernis Martin-style application.
The case includes waisted sides with glazed apertures and is embellished with gilt-bronze foliate and floral mounts, including rococo scroll cresting and feet. The white enamel dial displays Roman numerals for hours and Arabic numerals for five-minute intervals, complemented by pierced and engraved gilt brass hands. The 8-day going movement measures 15 x 13 cm with rectangular plates and a verge escapement with silk suspension.
It offers quarter-striking and pull-wind quarter-repeating functions via five hammers and two bells. The clock and its bracket measure 114 x 42 cm total.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Bracket clock
- Maker
- J. Robert et Fils
- Dating
- circa 1775
- Dial type
- White enamel with Roman and Arabic numerals
- Escapement
- Verge with silk suspension
- Case material
- Wood carcass with painted decoration and gilt-bronze mounts
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Overall dimensions
- 114 x 42 cm including bracket
- Striking mechanism
- Quarter striking with five hammers on two bells
- Maker / attribution
- J. Robert et Fils
- Provenance note
- Cited in La Pendulerie Neuchateloise
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The time display consists of a white enamel dial featuring bold radial Roman numerals for the hour indications. The perimeter of the dial includes an outer minute track accompanied by Arabic numerals placed at five-minute intervals. This combination of markers provides a clear reference for both the primary time and the fractional minute readings. The hour and minute indicators are crafted from brass and are both pierced and engraved to provide decorative detail. The hands are noted by the auction house as being original to the piece, maintaining the integrity of the dial presentation.
- Visible features
- • Painted floral decoration on red cracquelure background • Rococo gilt-bronze mounts with urn and swag motifs • Pierced and engraved gilt brass hands • Waisted case profile with glazed panels
- Case and Aesthetic Construction
- The clock is housed in a wood carcass characterized by its waisted profile and distinct floral surface treatment. The auction description notes the finish as a red cracquelure ground decorated with flowers in a manner suggestive of Vernis Martin. This painted surface is framed by extensive gilt-bronze mounts, which incorporate rococo-style foliate scrolls across the crest and feet. The case includes glazed apertures that provide visibility into the interior of the clock. A prominent feature is the hinged gilt-bronze door, which serves as a decorative element with urn and swag motifs. The design includes a matching conforming bracket, intended to support the weight of the clock while maintaining the decorative theme across the entire 114 cm assembly.
- Movement and Functional Mechanisms
- The internal movement is built upon rectangular brass plates measuring 15 by 13 cm. It utilizes large spring barrels to power both the going and the striking trains. The escapement is a traditional verge type, regulated by a silk suspension system. The clock is an 8-day timekeeper with integrated striking and repeating features. The striking mechanism operates on five hammers striking against two bells located at the top of the case. It utilizes an outside countwheel numbered 1 through 12, complemented by a quarter-hour snail. Additionally, the mechanism is equipped with a pull-wind quarter-repeating function.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The exact origin of the painted decoration, described as 'Vernis Martin' type, is unverified.
- Research required: The movement requires an overhaul as noted by the auction house condition report.