Automaton Wizard Clock

One of the most amazing timepieces we have ever acquired that offers far more than meets the eye, this incredible work of art blends the beauty of a painting with the mechanical complexities of both a cylinder music box and an automaton. While it is clear to see the integrated clock residing within the arched giltwood and gesso frame, when activated, this painting quite literally comes alive. As the cylinder mechanism within plays its lovely tune, every character in the farrier's shop becomes animated – from the group of farrier's toiling away at the forge and anvil forming the horseshoes, to the wagging of the charming terrier's tale. This musical automaton picture clock is attributed to Xavier Tharin of Paris who was the preeminent creator of this fantastical "moving pictures", especially this particular farrier scene. His process mixed oil painting and hand-colored lithograph images that were layered starting from the back, middle and foreground to craft the complex series of movements throughout the painting. A look inside this particular work reveals the complex mechanism (with the three gongs, pendulum and cylinder components immediately visible) which must run the timepiece, the cylinder musical component plus the multitude of moving elements in the painting...a truly incredible feat considering the technical prowess to create just one of these devices. Musical picture clocks...

This artful and unique automaton clock and music box house proudly bears the signature of Geneva, a hallmark of unparalleled horological excellence. For generations, Geneva has seaml...

A majestic specimen of English clockmaking, this important longcase clock by London clockmaker James Fenton features an exceptional Adam and Eve automaton above the dial. Longcase ti...

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...

A work of exceptional detail, this magnificent Viennese clock takes the art form of enameling to new heights. The elaborately fashioned timepiece rests atop the head of a soldier, who stands on a pedestal populated by sphinxes. Exceptional details encase the entire piece, from the rooster finial to the gem-studded base. A hand-painted portrait of the heroic soldier on the reverse completes this stunning piece. Particularly popular during the 19th century, Viennese enamels...

From the personal collection of the legendary Joe DiMaggio, this incredible vintage desk clock was presented to the Yankee Clipper by Harrah's for his par...

A novelty mantel clock in the form of an industrial beam engine by Andre Romain Guilmet, dating from circa 1878 and numbered 196 and signed by Giulmet. The eight day movement is sur...

This fine, antique mantel clock is constructed in ebonised wood by the renowned Parisian maker of automata, Xavier Tharin (French, active mid 19th Century). The clock face is set onto a curled, stylized pediment atop the clock case. The face is of white enamel, featuring black Roman numerals and signed 'Tharin a Paris', and is bordered in beaded ormolu. The pediment in which the face is set is decorated with ormolu mounts of stylized acanthus leaf form. The pediment is set onto a rectangular frame of ebonised wood, inside which is set a musical automaton...

Antique French, "Ship's Quarter Deck" Automata clock from the Industrial Series. The bronze and silvered case is in the form of a ship's quarter deck, s...

Large French style 8 day brass automaton windmill industrial clock w marble base. Here we have a wonderful example of the industrial series popular in French horology. While the c...

French gilt bronze mounted marine themed automaton mantel clock French, circa 1850 Measures: With glass dome and base height 90 cm, width 70 cm, depth 33 cm Clock without dome and...

Massive 1880 Antique Ormolu Bronze Enameled Automaton Musical Bracket Clock An important, exhibition quality ormolu bronze bracket clock of massive proportions, the case decorated in Champlevé enamels and a variety of cast decorative elements that include a large urn and four full columns topped by acanthus buds, ladies faces on all four columns, egg and dart trim, four large detailed paw feet. The arched door with beveled glass opens to the clock face topped by an iridescent bird automaton within a painted diorama framed...