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Carriage Clocks |
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A 1700s version of our modern 'travel alarm' clocks is the spring-driven carriage clock. It was designed to be easily carried when traveling 'in a carriage'. It was 4-5 inches tall, usually with four glass sides in a brass frame with a carrying handle on top. France was dominant in the production of these clocks in the mid to late 1800s. Carriage clocks were ones a fashionable requirement for well-to-do travelers in Europe. Lever escapements and durable leather clock cases protected them from the hazards of a bumpy carriage journey and the rough handling of train porters. One of the first models of a carriage clock, known as a 'pendule de voyage', was produced in about 1810 by the French clock maker Abraham Louis Breguet. His clock even included a feature which showed the temperature. For the next 100 years high quality carriage clocks were manufactured with ever more complicated movements, and sophisticated striking and repeating facilities. They staye din high demand for wealthy citizens and many were manufactured for grand exhibitions. At the same time that these high end luxury grade carriage clocks were being produced, there was a parallel industry of mass produced carriage clocks birthed by Paul Garnier. Garnier exported thousands of these affordable models all around the globe to eager consumers far and wide. These lower end models were still very well made with simple but functional design detailing. This included a white enamel dial, black roman numerals and plain hands which were easily visible even in the dim light of candelit rooms. |
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