Credits: Article and images by Thomas Brechtel @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2023/09/13/vanessa-leccis-colorfully-insane-pendule-neuchateloise-clocks/
While tastes and fashions are constantly changing and continuously evolving in the field of mechanical wristwatches, they seem to be at a standstill in the field of table clocks and wall clocks; or even worse, the love for a larger clock seems to be slowly slipping away.
What used to belong in every good household in the past is increasingly side-lined, disappearing into attics or cellars or ending up at flea markets: the Cuckoo clock, the Black Forest clock from Germany, the omnipresent kitchen clock, all the beautiful British longcase clocks, all the beautiful French table- or desk-clocks, and the famous Swiss Pendule Neuchâteloise clock.
Classic Pendule Neuchateloise clocks ((MAH Geneva)
I have always loved Neuchâteloise clocks because of their design and shape and the way they look on their own special wall mount. The design reminds me of the Louis XV style, the paint and strong and rich decoration reflect the character of the homeland – Neuchâtel. Early clocks bear great names such as Jaquet Droz, Robert Courvoisier, and Les freres Ducommun.
Both the Musée International d’horlogerie (MIH) in La Chaux-de-Fonds and the Musee D’Horlogerie Du Locle-Château des Monts (MHL) in Le Locle, own and display an impressive amount of pendulum clocks from different eras and regions.
Pendule Neuchateloise by Zenith
And yes – Neuchâteloise clocks are produced still today, mainly by the watch brand Zenith (in Le Locle) and Le Castel(in Saint-Aubin) – but commercial success is steadily declining. The majority of customers buying these clocks appear to be tourists rather than true lovers of fine horology.
Does this mean the Swiss pendulum clocks are dying out? Is there no more interest in this pendulum clock in Europe or all over the world? I have seen so many Pendules from the Neuchâtel region on the streets and on flea markets in fairly good condition for very low “please-take-me-home” bargain prices, often found for under 200 euros. But most leave them aside.
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Credits: Article and images by Thomas Brechtel @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2023/09/13/vanessa-leccis-colorfully-insane-pendule-neuchateloise-clocks/
