Foreword
This is an antique French strike/repeat carriage clock by Henri Jacot; housed in the classic brass Corniche case. The clock’s height with handle raised is 6”, making it a “Calibre No. 1”; the smallest of the three so-called “full-sized” carriage clocks.
Please take note of the pictures and this description, as they both form an integral part of this sale. S hould there be any additional questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Some other clocks I have restored may be seen by going to You Tube and entering “Margaine 10726”, where videos of some of my clocks both under restoration and when completed, are available to view.
Warranty
This clock is warrantied against operational defects for twelve months from the date of dispatch with the buyer being responsible for any/all transport costs to and from base. The warranty does not cover damage caused by negligence, from the clock being mishandled, tampered with or dropped, courier mishandling, or from it being given to another clockmaker for adjustment and/or repair. The supplied user guide clearly describes its handling and operational requirements.
About
The Henri Jacot “dynasty” were a highly respected French carriage clock making family, ranking alongside the best and most well-known carriage clockmakers of the day (mid 19th to early 20th century) - namely Bourdin, Drocourt, Japy Frères, LeRoy, Margaine, Pons and Soldano. Jacot’s clocks were particularly recognised for their build quality, movement delicacy, reliability, use of quality brass and excellent timekeeping.
The clock was in quite poor overall condition when acquired. However, and quite unusually these days, it came with its numbered base cover and numbered key.
This clock is quite heavy for its size, due to the use of dense and quality brass. As with any clock I acquire, it was completely dismantled and overhauled, as can be read throughout this description.
This clock’s serial number of 17587 is stamped in the bottom left-hand corner of the movement’s back plate – dating it to circa 1907/08. The classic Jacot “parrot on a perch” trademark is stamped on the back-plate, as well as the words “MADE IN PARIS”. The requirement for either the clock’s city or country’s name to be stamped into the movement came from a British Government decree in 1887, to show the clock’s origin.
Strikes are made on a blued-steel gong, which is screwed to the back-plate. The strike makes a good mellow and resonant sound. The current hour can be struck at will by pressing the repeat button on the top of the case.
PLEASE NOTE : any/all repairs carried out are noted in bold type in the respective areas of this document.
The following features also confirm that this clock is a genuine Henri Jacot;
1 font used for the back-plate lettering,
2 style of the time set arrow on the back plate,
3 the classic Jacot “parrot on a perch” poinçon on the back plate,
4 Jacot stamp showing awards – stamped into the font of the back-plate - obscured by the strike barrel and wheel 2, with the last award stamped being 1889,
5 Jacot stamp showing awards – stamped into the back of the top of the false plate and
6 the typical “Jacot circle” inside the chapter ring.
Clock statistics :
· Width - including base platform – 7.9cm.
· Depth - including base platform – 7.2cm.
· Height - including base platform – 11.1cm. and with handle raised – 15.2cm.
· Weight – 1.17 Kgs, or 2lbs 9ozs.
The movement... is Corniche (three plates - back, front and false). All the numbers throughout the movement match and are stamped as follows:
· 17587 - back of back plate – master serial number - bottom left-hand corner.
· Jacot’s trademark (poinçon) – stamped in the middle of the back plate’s lower quadrant (the parrot), with the word “ MADE IN PARIS ” punched underneath it.
· 9879 – front of front plate – bottom centre .
· Jacot stamp - describing medals won and dates on back of false plate – just above dial aperture - last date being 1889.
The movement was dismantled to component level and the following procedures carried out:
1. the complete movement (less the platform), was soaked in petrol to facilitate the removal of all components without fear of damaging any of the pivots,
2. all components cleaned ultrasonically in a warmed horological cleaning solution; washed, rinsed and heater dried.
3. All wheels, arbors , leaves, pinions and pivots checked for alignment and wear (none found).
4. Wheel 2’s going train front plate pivot was re-shaped and burnished as it was slightly grooved . Other than that, all remaining pivots were in good order and subsequently polished on clockmaker’s lathe.
5. Movement plates examined and pivot holes (bearings) checked for wear – (possible distortion, usually due to mechanical pressure, lack of servicing, or simply age-related wear) - none found.
6. Pivot holes (bearings) pegged out to remove any/all remaining debris (a “paste” of old dried oil).
7. Mainspring and strike barrels dismantled, springs removed, checked for wear (none found), cleaned, lightly greased and re-assembled.
8. All components hand-polished, de-greased in isopropyl alcohol and then French chalk brush-polished, which as well as polishing, helps to delay tarnishing, a natural occurrence of brass.
8. Movement re-assembled - all arbors checked for “end shake”.
9. Contrate cock adjustment sink oiled and depthing screw adjusted accordingly to ensure contrate arbor has correct amount of “end shake”.
10. Sinks oiled with high-grade Moebius clock oil.
The platform... is the clock’s “heartbeat”, as it manages the power generated by the mainspring through the going train – i.e., it controls the clock’s timekeeping. It is also the most delicate assembly. This silvered platform comprises an off-set ratchet-toothed lever escapement with a crescent bridge. Due to its precise fit and condition, it is certainly original to the clock. This platform is also fully compensating – see later. The following procedures were carried out:
1. Platform completely dismantled – components cleaned in a 4-stage automatic watch-cleaning machine, other than the hairspring, which was cleaned in an oil-based cleaner - Renata.
3. Platform and balance cock then leather-buff polished to bring the silvering back to as near perfection as possible.
3. Hairspring checked - in excellent condition – no rust or re-forming necessary.
4. Jewels checked for wear - see later -- pegged out and cleaned as appropriate.
5. Balance staff re-pivoted (both ends).
6. New lower balance endstone made and fitted.
7. Re-polish impulse roller – slightly rusty.
8. Fit new impulse jewel – original was missing.
9. Balance wheel, fork and pallets cleaned.
10. Balance wheel checked for poise (balance) – badly out, so was re-poised and rated.
7. Escape wheel, pinion, leaves and index all cleaned and checked for wear.
8. Components hand-polished, de-greased in isopropyl alcohol and oiled appropriately with high grade watch oil.
9. Platform reassembled, powered, even-beat adjusted and timed to 18,000 beats/hour, using a purpose-made timing device.
Fully compensating platform - (or “Z”) balance wheel, means that the balance wheel’s rim is completely split directly next to its two spokes, hence the “Z” term. The wheel’s rim is made of 1/3rd brass (outer) and 2/3rd steel (inner), so it acts much like a bi-metallic switch – opening out when warm and closing when cool. Just like the “Z” wheel, the hairspring also expands (strengthening it) when temperature increases. The opposite occurs when temperature decreases.
An increase in temperature will cause the hairspring to strengthen, which will tend to increase the clock’s speed but, the “Z” wheel’s circumference will also expand (or open), making its effective circumference greater, thereby taking longer to oscillate, which compensates for the hairspring’s increased strength. So the balance wheel’s rate of oscillation remains quite constant, thereby assisting timekeeping. The opposite occurs to both the hairspring and the “Z” balance wheel when temperature decreases.
Once timed and adjusted, the platform now produces an even beat, an extremely positive action, with the hairspring “breathing” correctly within the index. It is now in excellent condition.
The face plate, dial and hands... are all in excellent condition. The classic “white enamel on copper” dial plate has no missing enamel, cracks or hairlines. It was cleaned in a mild cleansing agent, gently rinsed and heater dried.
The chapter ring is perfect, as are the Roman numerals and the classic Jacot “inner circle”. The waisted and blued steel “spade and poker” hands are also in excellent condition.
The movement was reassembled and powered while the case was being restored, keeping excellent time.
Important note : the index’s regulator arm is close to the centre of its operational arc, which is where it should be after the movement is overhauled and regulated.
The case... is Corniche and made of brass. However, it was in extremely poor condition and so was dismantled to component level, all individual components being initially cleaned in a warmed horological cleansing fluid, dipped in isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining grease and then heater dried.
The components were then hand-polished with Tripolii (aka rottenstone), followed by a metal burnishing paste. Once all polishing was complete, all components were re-washed to remove any remaining polishing compounds, so bringing the case back to being in beautiful condition. All the case parts were then treated with a coat of horological lacquer and pure wax, prior to being re-assembled.
There a few very minor marks to the case, but nothing more than can be expected for a clock of this vintage.
All glass panels are in perfect condition and do not rattle when in situ, with the door closing firmly and correctly.
Regular light and careful dusting (with a micro-fibre cloth for example), will keep the case looking in excellent condition - as it looks today. On no account should either silicon-based or metal polishes come anywhere near this clock.
The case is now in excellent condition throughout.
Testing... was carried out once the movement was reinstalled into its case and powered. It has now been run for several months without any issues, keeping excellent time, as one would expect from a quality clock.
Payment... is acceptable in any form of cleared funds prior to shipment, such as a BACS transfer, cash or personal cheque. Should personal collection be required, then the transaction must either be paid for in cash at the point of collection, or that cleared funds are in place prior to collection.
Shipping... will take place within one working day on receipt of cleared payment. Nevertheless, every effort is made to ship on the same day.
UK delivery - the clock will be shipped via Royal Mail on its ‘Next day 1pm, fully insured, tracked and signed for’ delivery service, except for Saturdays, Sundays and English Bank Holidays. Shipping costs include packaging and delivery, as well as the consignments gross weight and the clock’s value. The clock will be shipped in a new double-walled cardboard box. Please be sure to check the Postage area of the front page for costs. My default listing is the price for UK delivery.
Overseas customers - please contact me for precise shipping costs, as they are destination-dependent. Please note - shipping is always on a tracked, signed-for and fully insured basis via DHL Express (the global price shown is for a delivery to Australia). Any/all destination Customs and/or import duties and/or related taxes are the exclusive and sole responsibility of the buyer. This is an express condition of an export sale.
Conclusion
After restoration and overhaul, this circa 1907/08 quality Henri Jacot repeater carriage clock with its brass Corniche case is now in excellent condition, both operationally and visually. As previously mentioned, it comes with its numbered bottom cover and numbered key. Furthermore, it is an excellent timekeeper.
It should be serviced by a clock maker/repairer every five to ten years to maintain optimum performance, as this is the working life of quality clock oil.
A user guide is supplied as is the signed restoration report.
Thank you for looking.