F.P. Journe Manufacture To Host "Masterpieces of French Horology" Exhibition

Celebrated watchmaker Francois-Paul Journe will host an exhibition of exceptional, historic French clocks at the Manufacture F.P. Journe from January 19th through January 6th, 2009.  The twelve clocks, which are part of the notable private collection of Auzano Musa, represent the best work of notable 18th and 19th century French watchmakers, including Robert Robin, Lepine, Bouche and Louis Constantin Detouche.  

For F.P. Journe, creator of such remarkable watches as the Sonnerie Souveraine and Centigraphe Souveraine, the exhibition is an opportunity to educate the public on the contributions which French horologists have made to the art and science of watchmaking.  It also underscores Journe's philosophy that outstanding contemporary haute horlogerie must respect the artistry and innovation demonstrated by notable masters from the past. 

Among the horological masterpieces on display:

An late 18th century astronomic clock by Robert Robin, once the property of French King Louis XVI.  Notable not just for its full calendar with signs of the zodiac and moon phases the clock also displays an artful case in gilt bronze and red griotte marble by artisan Francois Remind.  The two figures which flank the clock were sculpted by Louis Simon Boizot, official sculptor to the king.  

An astronomic regulator clock by Louis Constantin Detouche which won the gold medal at the Universal Exhibition of London in 1851.  Presented in gilt bronze, the clock's many complications include hours of sunrise and sunset, sun position in relation to the horizon, days of the week, moon phases, calendar, and equation of time.  The Detouche regulator clock also features a month-long power reserve and a fusee and chain mechanism to ensure constant force to the escapement.  

An astronomic regulator clock from Lepine, circa 1813.  This distinctive "reversed Y" timekeeper presents a variety of complications, among them time of sunrise and sunset, equation of time, a perpetual calendar and moon phases, and hour and quarter hour striking.  The clock also has a one-month power reserve, and a constant force system.  

A skeleton regulator with a constant force mechanism by Bouchet, dated to 1781.  Crafted from gilt bronze and enamel, this remarkable clock has a one-month power reserve and indicates years, zodiacal signs, equation of time, days and weeks, annual calendar with moon phase, and sun position in relation to the horizon.