1318
Mantle clock with champlevé enamel decoration on a column
Japy Frères, France after 1867. Bronze, gilt, brass, enamel and creme-coloured, reddish veined marble. 2 pieces. Four pressed feet, four-sided glazed, cylindrical case, framed on all sides by enamelled, partially openworked bands, enamelled domed roof and base rosette. Enamel dial with Roman minute scale and wreath of flowers held by a putto, cathedral hands. Dial inscribed «Kgl. Hoflieferant». Eight-day movement, striking on gong. Movement inscribed «Made in France», manufacturer's mark inscribed «Japy Frères & Cie. Gde. Med. d'Honneur» and movement number «1263 55». Marble column with gilt bronze elements and corresponding enamel decoration.
H 45, Diam. 20 cm (watch),
H 109, W 25, D 28 cm (column). Mercury pendulum.
The history of the Japy watchmaking dynasty is a perfect example of the development of watchmaking in the race to industrialisation in the 19th century. Founded in Beaucourt at the end of the 18th century, Japy initially supplied raw movements and then developed into a manufacturer of outstanding showpieces. Enamel was a flagship product of the company, skilfully used to decorate precious timepieces. In combination with chandeliers, vases or rarely as an arrangement on a corresponding column, Japy watches show the aesthetic as well as technical high standard of the time.
Producing with the help of self-built machines, the company was always an innovative one. Japy soon turned out to be an outstanding manufacturer of enamel dials, the production of which was pushed ahead in large numbers. In 2006, watch production was discontinued.

Condition report