Vacheron & Constantin Glass Ball Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Late 19th century
Maker / issuer
Vacheron ConstantinThis late 19th-century table clock features a spherical design composed of a two-piece glass ball encased within a hinged gilt metal frame. The clock is accompanied by a custom cast brass stand, which includes a green felt-lined seat to facilitate multi-angle positioning.
The rear of the glass sphere is flattened, allowing it to rest on a surface independently of the stand. The white enamel dial is signed "Vacheron et Constantin Genève" and features black Roman numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position, and gilt Breguet-style hands. The internal bar movement is key-wound with a going barrel and a club-foot lever escapement. Additional movement components include a plain, three-armed gilt balance with a blued steel hairspring.
Winding and time-setting are performed by opening the hinged glass hemisphere. The gilt frame and brass stand exhibit signs of natural patina and age.
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
- Date
- Late 19th Century
- Type
- Desk clock
- Maker
- Vacheron & Constantin
- Country
- Switzerland
- Escapement
- Club foot lever
- Dial Material
- White enamel
- Movement Type
- Bar movement, key-wind
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Case Construction
- Two-piece glass ball with gilt metal frame
- Maker / attribution
- Vacheron & Constantin
Design
- Visible features
- • Hinged glass sphere construction • Green felt-lined cast brass base • Subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock • Breguet-style gilt hands
- Design and Housing
- The clock is housed within a spherical glass casing formed by two distinct halves. These halves are secured by a hinged gilt metal frame, which permits access to the dial when opened. The design includes a specific flat section on the posterior side of the glass, intended to enable the timepiece to remain stable on a flat surface without the use of the stand. To complement this spherical form, the timepiece is paired with a dedicated, heavy cast brass stand. The top of this stand is fitted with a green felt liner, designed to cradle the glass ball and allow the user to orient the timepiece at a variety of desired angles according to the owner's preference.
- Dial and Condition
- The clock features a white enamel dial bearing the signature "Vacheron et Constantin Genève." It is marked with black Roman numerals and includes a subsidiary seconds dial located at the six o'clock position. The hour and minute hands are finished in a gilt Breguet-style pattern. The auction description reports that the metallic frame and the brass stand display evidence of natural aging and patina. Prospective owners are encouraged to inspect the glass components for chips or cracks and to evaluate the current mechanical operation of the gear train and the mainspring to ensure functional integrity.
- Movement and Escapement
- The internal mechanism is a bar-type movement, characterized by a key-wound configuration and a going barrel. This movement is constructed with a club-foot lever escapement. The oscillator consists of a three-armed gilt balance wheel paired with a blued steel hairspring. The regulation is managed by a polished steel regulator attached to a simple cock. Functions including winding and setting the time require the rear portion of the sphere to be opened to access the movement directly. The source notes that the assembly reflects high manufacturing quality, and suggests that the movement remains consistent with Swiss production standards for this period.
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: Condition of the thick glass spheres regarding chips or cracks
- Research required: Operational status of the gear train and mainspring
- Research required: Verification of signature and internal numbering