Carriage clocks are one of the steps in the development of portable horology, the ability of a person to keep track of time when travelling.

In order to fulfil this function, the clock must keep accurate time, be portable and cased for protection, and allow easy access to the dial for the reading of the time.

Travelling clocks, known in French as "pendule de voyage", have been in use since the 15th century, and remained little changed until the early 19th century. French clock maker Abraham-Louis Breguet developed the first modern travelling clock, known as a "carriage clock" or "officer's clock" in 1796, which he sold to Napoleon several years later. His clock was highly complex. As well as showing the time it also showed the date and temperature.

The carriage clock is rectangular in shape with a carrying handle, and usually has a plain or gilt-brass more...

18 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

Large 19th century French grande sonnerie carriage clock, with…

Large 19th century French grande sonnerie carriage clock, with rectangular white dial, set with Roman numerals above subsidiary seconds dial, with bevelled glass sides set within a brass case, height 19 cm

A 19th century French grande sonnerie carriage clock, in a…

French Grande Sonnerie Carriage Clock with Original Case

A 19th century French grande sonnerie carriage clock, in a corniche case, the quality movement striking on a gong. Height 18 cm to top of handle. With original carrying case. Running, sometimes misses the first strike of an hour. The grande sonnerie…

A late19th century Henri Jacot petite sonnerie carriage clock,…

Henri Jacot Carriage Clock with Original Case and Key

A late19th century Henri Jacot petite sonnerie carriage clock, in gilt brass gorge case, the quality French movement detailed with serial number 5605, striking on a pair of gongs, silent and quarters lever to the base.H.16 cm. Original carrying case. With…

A French petite sonnerie carriage clock, last quarter 19th…

French Petite Sonnerie Carriage Clock with Original Leather Case

A French petite sonnerie carriage clock, last quarter 19th century, the eight day full plate two-train movement with lever platform escapement, striking hours and quarters on two gongs, the enamelled Roman numeral dial in a polished brass and…

French carriage clock, petite French clock with key, enamelled…

Enamelled French Carriage Clock with Exposed Brass Movement

French carriage clock, petite French clock with key, enamelled face with Roman numerals, brass case and exposed movement

Very fine quality French Corniche carriage clock manufactured…

French Corniche Carriage Clock with Full Calendar and Chimes

Very fine quality French Corniche carriage clock manufactured for Le Roy & Fils, Paris. White enamel dial with black Roman numerals to the chapter ring. Full calendar subsidiary dials including day, date, month and alarm with seconds. Push repeat with…

19th century French grand sonnerie carriage clock, in gilt…

French Carriage Clock with Double Bell Striker

19th century French grand sonnerie carriage clock, in gilt brass, with white enamel dial, double bell striker with underside lever controlling alarm on the hour and quarter, quarter only or silent, a/f (untested, missing minute hand, upper frame with…

A brass time strike carriage clock, French, circa 1880, with a…

Brass French Carriage Clock with Grande Sonnerei

A brass time strike carriage clock, French, circa 1880, with a platform escapement and grande sonnerei, 13 cm high

A time and strike carriage clock, French, circa 1900, platform…

French Carriage Clock with Grand Sonnerie, circa 1900

A time and strike carriage clock, French, circa 1900, platform escapement, grand sonnerie, 13 cm high

A rare 19th century Franche-Comte carriage clock by 'Jn Marc…

Rare 19th Century Franche-Comte Carriage Clock by Jn Marc Michoudet

A rare 19th century Franche-Comte carriage clock by 'Jn Marc Michoudet', named to the dial and detailed Foncine-le-bas', centre seconds and alarm offering a choice of Grande and Petite Sonnerie striking or silence, selected by a lever at the bottom of the…

Grande sonnerie carriage clock retailed by Henry Capt, Geneva,…

Henry Capt Carriage Clock with Box & Key

Grande sonnerie carriage clock retailed by Henry Capt, Geneva, with original carry box & key

L. Leroy et Cie petite sonnerie carriage clock with key, 16 cm…

Small L. Leroy carriage clock with key

L. Leroy et Cie petite sonnerie carriage clock with key, 16 cm high

A gilt brass grande sonnerie carriage clock French, with alarm…

Gilt Brass Grande Sonnerie Carriage Clock with Alarm

A gilt brass grande sonnerie carriage clock French, with alarm and push repeat. Grande / petite / silence switch at base. White enamel dial with gilded mask.

Drocourt petite sonnerie carriage clock with strike in original…

Drocourt Carriage Clock with Case, 1870

Drocourt petite sonnerie carriage clock with strike in original leather case, circa 1870. Ex: Alan Landis Antiques.

An antique French brass carriage clock, early 20th century,…

Antique French Brass Carriage Clock by Albert Villon

An antique French brass carriage clock, early 20th century, with maker's trademark of lion passant for Albert Villon, Duverdrey et Bloquel. Of elegant oval form, with a visible escapement, having a white dial with Roman numerals, a shaped bracket swing…

A gilt brass grand sonnerie carriage clock with alarm, French,…

Gilt brass grand sonnerie carriage clock with alarm

A gilt brass grand sonnerie carriage clock with alarm, French, retailed J W Benson, London, late 19th Century the gorge case with swing handle above and bevelled glass panels, the white enamelled dial with Roman numerals, with subsidiary alarm dial below,…

A French carriage clock circa 1850, with all over engraving,…

Engraved French carriage clock with striking petite and grande

A French carriage clock circa 1850, with all over engraving, striking petite and grande (every 15 minutes). Bought from Theordore and Alexander Goff Ltd (Hong Kong) (from London originally)

A fine gilt brass eight day repeating French carriage clock…

Gilt Brass French Carriage Clock with Quarter Repeat

A fine gilt brass eight day repeating French carriage clock with subsidiary alarm dial. Quarter repeat with three striking hammers on two gongs. White enamel dial with Roman numerals. Platform escapement. Position lever in the base for: Sie Quarts,…