Carriage clocks are a relic of horology's bygone days. These clocks were primarily produced from the beginning of the 19th century to around 1930; before the wristwatch became commercially available. However, this was a time where people were traveling more often than they had in centuries past - and these people needed to be able to tell the time.
Traveling clocks were being made as early as the 15th century. The carriage clock is a more refined, sophisticated version of the traveling clock.
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, with glass sides, although some had enamel or porcelain sides. They are generally easily identified by the handle on top, installed for easy transportation. There were a few deviations from this design, mostly made by Breguet himself. These had a rounded top and a chain for a handle.
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.
The spring mechanism in a carriage clock was not that different from other clocks of the time, such as pendant, or pocket watches. They all had to be wound after a period of time or they would lose the time. The size and dimensions were different, but even though they were going into a larger clock, they were basically the same.
Breguet eventually introduced an innovation to the winding mechanism; this was a piston which could be pushed to wind the clock instead of using a pull cord to do so, as was common in clocks made in that period.
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.
Also, many carriage clocks came in leather or leather-covered wood carrying cases. These often had open or glass-covered sides so that the clock was protected, but could still be read. Unfortunately, these outer cases are rare now, most of them having decayed with time and use.
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.
By the 1930's the wristwatch had largely supplanted the carriage clock due to its convenience and lower cost.
Even though carriage clocks are no longer necessary, they are still produced. Many of them are still created with the care and craftsmanship of the last centuries. Due to their artistic design and nostalgic style, they have become rather timeless, like many timepieces from the past.
These new carriage clocks can be purchased in a wide variety of styles and materials. They range from simple but elegant, all the way to opulent and set with precious metals and stones. They also range from inexpensive, to many hundreds of dollars.
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.
Traveling clocks were being made as early as the 15th century. The carriage clock is a more refined, sophisticated version of the traveling clock.
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, with glass sides, although some had enamel or porcelain sides. They are generally easily identified by the handle on top, installed for easy transportation. There were a few deviations from this design, mostly made by Breguet himself. These had a rounded top and a chain for a handle.
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.
The spring mechanism in a carriage clock was not that different from other clocks of the time, such as pendant, or pocket watches. They all had to be wound after a period of time or they would lose the time. The size and dimensions were different, but even though they were going into a larger clock, they were basically the same.
Breguet eventually introduced an innovation to the winding mechanism; this was a piston which could be pushed to wind the clock instead of using a pull cord to do so, as was common in clocks made in that period.
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.
Also, many carriage clocks came in leather or leather-covered wood carrying cases. These often had open or glass-covered sides so that the clock was protected, but could still be read. Unfortunately, these outer cases are rare now, most of them having decayed with time and use.
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.
By the 1930's the wristwatch had largely supplanted the carriage clock due to its convenience and lower cost.
Even though carriage clocks are no longer necessary, they are still produced. Many of them are still created with the care and craftsmanship of the last centuries. Due to their artistic design and nostalgic style, they have become rather timeless, like many timepieces from the past.
These new carriage clocks can be purchased in a wide variety of styles and materials. They range from simple but elegant, all the way to opulent and set with precious metals and stones. They also range from inexpensive, to many hundreds of dollars.
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 loves these enduring classics. It reminds him of how in the old days it was simply about excellence and pride of craftsmanship. Before you purchase carriage clocks on the internet, be sure that the carriage clocks for sale are indeed made of the highest excellence.
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