Despite the fact that the antique clock is ten times lower than those on the reliability of modern high-precision instrument for determining the time, interest in the world to him constantly growing. Sophisticated collectors, connoisseurs Haute Horlogerie (High Watch making) consider the unique examples of the work watchmakers of the past centuries mainly as masterpieces of micromechanics, the extraordinary aesthetic and historic value.

Passion collectors:

Indeed, the important and often very interesting are the fates, especially history of each of these hours: from how and by whom they were created (whether prince’s watch companies or unknown artist, who built their own miniature structures in single copies), and ending with those who were their owner. Here it is appropriate to recall that increased attention to the fans of the old mechanical clock is largely due to the traditional identification of these chronometric devices with certain living creatures: after all, without exception, they are endowed by brittle, knocking our hearts.

Mechanisms of old clocks are extremely complex. Introducing a product worthy of the attention of generations, these “moving images of the fixed eternity” can consist of dozens of handmade items. In such models may be present, various additional functions, such as, for example, repeater – a special mechanism designed to display the time with the sounds of different pitch, Moon phase indicator – built-in calendar device, or a tourbillion – a full circle around its own axis escapement mechanism invented to be able to compensate the influence of gravity of the Earth on the accuracy of the clock.

Along with this, it might be sufficient and some exclusive exterior design, to admiring the clock as well as paintings by great artists, you could call these creations of past centuries, a truly magnificent: the grandeur, richness of decoration and a refined decorative style in which the conditioned case and dial hours, to cause admiration and curiosity of the public. Clearest example of this – the so-called “erotic” clock, which belongs not only niche in the collections of a very entertaining old mechanics, but the laurels of primacy among the objects of special pride of collectors.

“Live” images:

It is no secret that the birth of timekeeping, and accordingly – and appearance in the world of mechanical watches we must, first of all, the brave and the insatiable desire of man to curb the unfathomable and fascinating material on behalf of Time. However, in this case (which is not surprising in an era of Gothic architecture), the first mechanical clocks, namely, the tower served mostly despised reminder of the finiteness of life: they are decorated, as a rule, the images in a spirit of sorrow and grief, intimidating and frightening images of their sculptures. Besides these first, city, clock, both belonging to everyone and anyone, exposing time as a “public domain”.

Toward the XII century. this situation has changed. Due to the watchmaker, who for centuries, step by step following the scientific discoveries, were engaged in the improvement and modification of mechanical measuring time, gradually began to receive distribution of pocket watches. In other words, it has become possible to finally did “personalize”.

The aristocracy, who could only afford the luxury of that time as a clock, more and more fascinated by the idea of searching for a consolation in the fact that sins may be, and shorten life, but make it more attractive and more diverse. In an atmosphere of new whims, caprices and the pursuit of knowledge still unknown pleasures, it was entirely logical appearance in aristocratic circles craze erotic miniatures, considered the height of outrageous and eccentric.

Initially, the tiny images gusts of passion carried out, usually in the form of enamel painting: until the end of the XVII century admirer of such fashion trends have to be satisfied with pictures – on the caskets, snuff-boxes, and finally, pocket watches, which placed these should tend to reverse hand, the rear cover. Introduction of “revival” in the subjects followed along with the advent of the light mechanism minute repeater: invention of a system of his percussion hammers possible to find a way to move the little characters – zhakemary. Those involved in the mechanism of action figures, moving in time with the beating of time, have become widely used in hours, introducing gaze “living” in rural, urban and, of course, erotic scenes. This period is considered to be the initial step in the history of “erotic” hours.

Demand creates indecent proposal:

In the XVIII century. in the largest countries in Europe came the flowering time of production: cabinetmakers, smelters, engravers, goldsmiths, and mechanics were working on might and main manufacturing floor, wall, desktop and pocket watches, and the subject of collecting almost all of the European aristocracy was an erotic art. “Frivolous” watches produced at the time mainly in England, France and Geneva, immediately won a stunning popularity.

At the end of the XVIII century. trade “frivolous” clock prospered between the two cities – Geneva, which had a watch factory and workshops for the creation of enamel miniatures and complicated mechanisms, and London. It is known that in England “erotic” hours were a prelude to amorous conversation with the ladies, and a game called “conversation hour”. In Geneva, these watches have become so commonplace phenomenon that they gave to each other family, they were part of a wedding gift the bride. However, such traditions were quickly condemned by the Anglican Church of Puritan Calvin.

The last straw that broke the patience of the church authorities, was the fact that the clock with erotic miniatures became popular and some priests, monks and nuns. And in 1817 in Geneva, where Calvinism flourished, was issued a ban on the release of “shameful” hours. Trade them was banned, watches confiscated and even destroyed en masse. Nevertheless, after the war in China and the looting of the Summer Palace in Beijing in 1911, Europeans have been re-purchased and imported to Europe, a large number of “erotic” hours.

For example, in 1950, became famous for an extensive collection of well-known collector of miniature of King Farouk of works of art, which occupies a special place enameled watches 1780 – 1820. depicting erotic scenes are equipped with musical instruments and complex machines. Or, for example, “erotic” treasures actor Michel Simon, sold in 1977 at the largest hourly auction “Antikvorum” in Geneva.

The popularity of them over the years continued unabated, and it clearly demonstrates to us not only museum pieces, many world auction lots, constantly acquainting us with old clocks from private collections, as well as details of their biographies.

Tags: frivolous, Gothic architecture, mechanical clocks, Passion collectors, watches

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 at 9:44 pm and is filed under history. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.