French Great Wheel Skeleton Clock

Grand Regulator World's Fair Clock François Linke Circa 1900 Widely regarded as the greatest sculptural clock ever created, this monumental régulateur by François Linke was conceived as a statement for the 1900 Paris Universal Exposition, a moment when the world’s finest artisans competed on an international stage. Linke, the most celebrated ébéniste of the Belle Époque, was awarded the prestigious gold medal for his display, which critics described as “the biggest event in the history of furnishing art in the year 1900.” Designed in collaboration with the sculptor Léon Messagé, the clock exemplifies Linke’s ambition to elevate furniture and timepieces to the realm of fine art. The clock represents over a decade of design and craftsmanship. Only six examples of this model were ever completed due to the extraordinary labor and cost involved. Building just one had a production cost of 22,966 francs, the equivalent of approximately eight years' wages for the average French worker in 1900. The clock is illustrated on the spine of Christopher Payne’s definitive monograph on Linke. Mahdi Al-Tajir, one of the world’s most important collectors, later acquired the present model. Another is located at Whitehall, the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach. It was acquired by Rockefeller’s partner, Henry Flagler...

This intricately detailed 19th-century bracket clock from famed English firm J.C. Jennens & Sons is monumental in size, likely made for one of the great world exhibitions or perhaps to put in the firm's own store window. The eight-day timepiece has a triple fusee...

The famed Patek Philippe crafted this spectacular gilt bronze cartel clock. The case is exuberantly embellished in the Louis XV style with scrolling foliate work and an argyle-patterned screen punctuated with rosettes. The decorative screen conceals a panel of solar cells on the front of the timepiece. These photoelectric cells, along with a backup lithium battery, power the caliber 17-250 mechanical movement. It tells the time on a white enamel dial with both Roman and Arabic numerals and ornate brass hands. The timepiece comes complete with its original fitted Patek Philippe box. Overall, this clock displays the lasting quality and style of this legendary Swiss firm. Patek Philippe is one of the world’s premier luxury brands and is widely regarded as the world's most prestigious watchmaker. Founded in 1851 by Polish watchmaker Antoni Patek and French watchmaker Adrien Philippe...

This remarkable English Litchfield Cathedral skeleton clock, crafted by Evans of Handsworth, captures the essence of the famed Lichfield Cathedral with its iconic three-spire top and stunning Gothic architecture. This extraordinary timepiece features an intricate skeleton design, revealing its impressive two-train chain fuseé movement that powers an eight-day movement, chiming the hours on a melodious gong. The dial is a masterpiece in itself, intricately pierced and engraved in silver, displaying the time with Roman numerals and blued steel hands. The clock sits gracefully atop its original rosewood base. The Birmingham firm of William F. Evans of Handsworth was one of the most respected makers of skeleton clocks of the 19th century. The golden age of their manufacture occurred between the 1860s through the 1880s, and the firm was renowned for the stellar quality, grand size and superior materials utilized in the creation of their clocks. Of the many cathedrals they produced, the Litchfield Cathedral skeleton clock has earned a prominent status in today's market, being highly sought-after and coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Skeleton clocks stand out as exceptional and captivating timepieces, meticulously crafted to reveal the inner workings of the mechanism in all their glory. Originating as early as the mid-16th Century as drum clocks, these intricately designed clocks are a testament to the finest craftsmanship of their time. The French played a significant role in popularizing skeleton clocks around 1750, introducing remarkable spring-driven antique mantle clocks...

Victorian ‘A’ framed Skeleton clock. Standing on raised silvered plinths with finely engraved silvered dial with Roman numerals and original ‘blued’ steel hands. Eight day chai...

French 18th century Skeleton clock with oval glass panel by Charles Voisin.

English Late 19th Century Skeleton Clock Protected by a Glass Dome.

Antique skeleton clock, France, circa 1900.