A large wrought-iron, copper and brass turret clock movement, probably Dutch, 17th century

The first mechanical clocks were turret clocks and appeared in Europe at the end of the 13th century in religious buildings to ring the hours of prayer day and night. These first clocks are mentioned in 1283 in Dunstable and Exeter and as early as 1367 in Maastricht. The oldest known models in the Netherlands are found in Maastricht and Winkel, dating from 1420. These early timepieces did not necessarily have a dial, as they were only used to be heard. The weights were suspended from ropes wound around wooden barrels to operate the clock and were controlled by a verge escapement, with a folio as a controller.

Unfortunately, these instruments were not very accurate, and it was not until the mid-17th century, with the creation of the pendulum, that more accurate timepieces were developed.

The gear train system of these clocks is highly ingenious and is also an artistic feature that is highlighted in our piece. It becomes a console with a glass plate that allows us to admire the dexterity of the craftsmen of the time and their ingenuity in creating precision objects.