MUSEUM QUALITY c.1790 French 18k Ormolu Dragon Verge Fusee Calendar Desk Clock

Presenting an exceptionally rare, museum-quality antique French desk clock, dating to the pivotal horological era of the 1790s. This masterpiece marries the pinnacle of 18th-century French watchmaking with breathtaking sculptural artistry. Encased in a magnificent hand-engraved 18k gilt bronze (ormolu) spherical housing supported by a serpentine dragon, this complicated calendar timepiece is a true connoisseur’s artifact.

Historical Context Crafted during the late 18th century, likely during the French Directoire period, this clock reflects the high-society fascination with mythological and exotic motifs. The spectacular dragon pillar supporting the celestial sphere draws upon Chinoiserie influences that captivated European aristocracy. French bronziers of this era were unrivaled in their mercurial gilding (ormolu) techniques, producing works with a depth of color and brilliance that remains impossible to replicate today. To house a complicated verge fusee movement within a perfectly spherical, finely pierced bronze casing required a master-level collaboration between the silversmith, the casemaker, and the horologist.

The Case & Form Standing an impressive 23cm high, the clock takes the form of an intricate, hand-pierced 18k gilt bronze sphere that rests effortlessly on the snout and front claws of a masterfully chased mythological dragon. The dragon rises from a turbulent wave base, mounted upon a solid, polished dark stone plinth. The upper hemisphere is hinged, releasing via a push-button to reveal the stunning dial within. The piercing on the sphere features tightly scrolled foliage and mythical avian motifs, allowing the chime of the escapement to resonate beautifully while protecting the movement.

The Dial & Complications The face of the clock is an absolute triumph of enamel work. It features a brilliant white enamel backdrop housing three distinct registers:

• Time Dial: The primary lower dial displays the time using crisp, elegant Arabic numerals, surrounded by an outer minute track and swept by intricate, pierced golden hands. The winding aperture is cleanly integrated at the 2 o’clock position.

• Calendar Complications: Twin upper dials provide the calendar functions, dramatically accented by vivid, sweeping blue enamel chapter arches. The left dial indicates the date of the month (1-31), while the right dial indicates the days of the week in French (LUN, MAR, MER, JEU, VEN, SAM, DIM).

The Movement At the heart of this timepiece is a high-grade 18th-century French verge fusee movement. Opening the casing reveals a heavily gilded backplate in exceptional condition. It features a spectacular, hand-pierced and engraved floral balance bridge covering the verge escapement, along with a beautifully silvered regulation dial. The engineering is as much a work of art as the bronze case that houses it.

Condition & Specifications

• Condition: Perfect antique condition. The 18k ormolu gilding remains vibrant, rich, and remarkably preserved. The enamel dial is pristine, free from hairlines or chips. The hinge and clasp of the sphere operate flawlessly.

• Height: 23 cm (approx. 9 inches).

• Escapement: Verge Fusee.

• Era: Circa 1790s.

• Inclusions: The clock comes complete with a winding key.

Please note: As with all antique horological pieces of this age, while the piece is complete and in magnificent condition, routine servicing by a professional antique clockmaker is always recommended to ensure optimal long-term timekeeping after transit.

Shipping & Handling This exceptional artifact will be packed with the utmost precision and care, double-boxed, fully insured, and shipped via expedited global courier to ensure its safe arrival. Please review all high-resolution photographs as they represent an integral part of the description.

The clock comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR 9,000.00!

Now is your only chance to buy this amazing piece!

NOTE:PLEASE OBSERVE CAREFULLY THE PHOTOS! IT IS A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE DESCRIPTION. Every possible defect which is shown in the photos,but not mention in the description,will be considered for described.All the photos shoot by professional Nikon 105 Macro lens under 40x diopter magnification,so you can explore even the smallest detail like under microscope!

Free shipping to worldwide by DHL overnight courier.