An attractive French Directoire skeleton regulator by Robert Robin, circa 1800.

Description

Robert Robin

Together with Abraham Louis Breguet and Ferdinand Berthoud, Robert Robin is considered one of the best and most important French clockmakers in history. He became master clockmaker in 1767 and opened a workshop on Rue Faubourg St Honoré. In the later days of the reign of Louis XV, he became clockmaker to the King and thereafter the favourite clockmaker of Louis XVI. After the revolution, he also worked for the Directoire. In 1784, Robin was allowed to work and live in the ‘Galerie du Louvre’ until his death. In the Galerie du Louvre, artisans were at the disposal of the King. Many of his important clocks are in well-known collections. In addition to making beautiful and important clocks, he was also an innovator in the field of horology. Several times, he presented his ideas to the ‘Académie Royale des Sciences’ and published several important works in the field. Looking at this clock, it’s easy to understand why he had such a great reputation. First, there is the movement, which is of the highest quality, both in execution and finishing. However, the most striking feature is the balanced, compact design which is appealing because of the lovely proportions. Together with the visibility of the functioning of the movement, these features make this clock a joy to behold. The combination of its balanced design, the visible movement, and renowned maker make this a truly special clock. It is a perfect blend of technique and design.

Sweep seconds

The 14.5-cm enamel chapter ring has Roman numerals for the hours and an outer rim callibrated for the minute indication with Arabic quarter numbering. The inner rim is callibrated for half seconds and numbered 1-30 for the date indication. Arond XII is the signature Robin à Paris. The engraved pierced hands are made of gilt brass. The sweep seconds and date pointer are made of blued steel. The chapter ring is fitted in beautifully cast and chiseled ormolu bezels

Pinwheel escapement

The fully exposed movement is driven by two spring barrels and has a duration of at least fifteen days. It has pinwheel escapement in combination with a heavy compensated gridiron pendulum with enamel temperature gauge inscribed Elementa Su-is Propys Armis Victa. This translates freely into fight the elements with its own weapons which refers to the working of the gridiron pendulum. It has cardanic knive-edge suspension and beat adjustment to the crutch and is swinging in between the front plate and dial. The clock has half hour striking on a bell by means of a countwheel.

Frame

The heavy brass frame is shaped as an inverted Y and is supported by four flat annular ormolu feet. The whole is mounted on a rectangular red marble base with canted corners and a cut-out for the pendulum bob. The whole is raised on six flat annular ormolu feet.