by Matthew Roberts
Carriage clocks showcased an interesting time in horology. It was a time that the wealthy were traveling more, and wanting to know the time, but before the appearance of wristwatches. The popularity lasted from 1798 to about 1930.
The first traveling clocks were made in the 1400s, with the carriage clock being a more sophisticated version of these clocks.
The first carriage clock was created by A. L. Breguet in 1798, and he sold it to Napoleon Bonaparte. This clock is said to have had calendar functions and to tell the temperature. It was really a breakthrough in clock making, and from that point, the carriage clock’s place in the horological world was set.
Carriage clocks are usually rectangular in shape and have sides made from enamel, porcelain or glass. Carriage clocks feature a carrying handle on the top; some use a chain for a handle instead and have rounded tops - a style developed by Breguet himself.
These clocks were something which only the wealthy could afford at the time. After all, these were the same people who were affluent enough to travel often, with carriage clocks being a luxury item to add to their comfort and convenience as they traveled.
The fact that carriage clocks were created for a wealthy clientele meant that they were made both for beauty as well as durability. These clocks had to have springs which could go for long periods of time before needing to be wound.
Carriage clocks contained springs which were basically the same as any other clock made contemporaneously; all of these clocks required periodic rewinding. While the proportions were different, the mechanisms worked in the same way in carriage clocks as in pocket watches.
After a few different clock creations, Breguet made a leap forward by eliminating the pull-cord design that would wind the clock to keep it going. He introduced a new design in which the user would push a piston, and the action would wind the clock.
On the outside, carriage clocks were commonly made of brass, or another shiny metal. Not long after their introduction, they started coming equipped with covers over the face of the clock to protect the mechanism. These covers were sometimes metal, and sometimes glass for easy reading during travel.
Although they are rare now, since they have decayed over time, these carriage clocks originally came in attractive wooden or leather cases. The cases typically had open sides or glass covered ones, enabling the clock to be read while staying well protected.
At the time, carriage clocks were usually opulent items which were set with gems and precious metal inlays, even painted scenes on the clock face. Carriage clocks were made for the wealthy and it was obvious by their very design that these clocks were made with the affluent in mind.
There were also carriage clocks made which had glass on all sides so that the clock’s mechanisms could be seen. The clock faces of these models tended to have extra displays for additional information.
By the 1830’s carriage clocks were such a popular item that they were exported worldwide. However, these mass produced carriage clocks were far simpler in design than were those custom made for affluent clients.
Within a century, however, carriage clocks began to fall out of favor. The wristwatch had been introduced and was widely adopted for their convenience and lower price.
Carriage clocks are still made today, although they are now strictly a decorative item (they do of course still tell the time). Most of these clocks are made with high quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, just as they were 200 years ago. An exquisitely crafted carriage clock is a truly timeless timepiece!
These new carriage clocks come in a wide range of materials and styles. You can find simple, yet elegantly designed carriage clocks which are very inexpensive or models which are inlaid with precious metals and gems which cost thousands.
Carriage clocks are still bought, and loved, but often sit on the mantel rather than travel. They are often given as wedding gifts or for other special occasions, reminiscent of traditions long since rendered obsolete.
About the Author:
Author Matthew Roberts adores these enduring classics. It reminds him of how in the old days it was simply about quality and pride of craftsmanship. Before you buy
carriage clocks on the internet, be sure that the
carriage clocks for sale are truly made of the utmost quality.
