Carriage Clocks of Mr. Baumgartner

I do believe in coincidences and in my recent trip to Switzerland, I discovered how small this world is. Just a few months ago, I had met with Felix Baumgartner - co-founder of Urwerk and in my recent trip to Switzerland, I had the pleasure of meeting Baumgartner Senior!

Mr. Gerhard Baumgartner was kind enough to show me his collection of clocks - some for sale and some not. I will write separately on how I came to meet with Mr. Baumgartner senior but for now, I would like to share these beautiful carriage clocks.

A little over 5-6 inches tall, the clock is heavy and rather well restored. This example is a French carriage clock and comes with 8 days power reserve. Carriage clocks were meant to be carried around during travels in the eighteen hundreds.

These clocks typically have their balance wheel on the top of the clock.

Now for the back of the clock showcasing the movement. See the chimes and

The clock comes with an alarm at the base. And take a look at the guilloché on the frame. Probably hand decorated in those days.

Next up is a Vienna Carriage Clock. Standing about 2 inches taller than the French clock, the Viennese is an equal beauty.

Unlike the French clock, the dial is not enamel but also gilted brass. But like the French Clock, the Viennese clock comes with a 8 days power reserve and an alarm.

And the decoration is again immaculate and probably hand done.

Mr. Baumgartner Senior spends much of his time restoring these beauties. As of the last I know, the French clock was already sold. My bad as I had wanted it but was a day late. Stay tuned for more report on my visit to the atelier. For other more information, you may write to Mr. Baumgartner at baumgartner.pendulier@bluewin.ch.