Prestige and Punctuality – Clocks for the Nobility

As from the end of the 17th century, clocks gained major prominence in the daily life of the noble houses of Europe. Clocks chiefly served as instruments of prestige and had to fit in with the overall image of the nobility. The court of the French king was a prime example.

Of course, the clocks had to display the correct time. Originally, a person was deemed punctual if he or she had refined manners. As from the 17th century, those who appeared at the appointed time were said to be punctual.

Thanks to the French Revolution in 1789, a major change was introduced in all realms of society. The ideals of the Revolution are also reflected in clocks. The clock movement, being visible, stands for rationality. Napoleon‘s rise to power brought with it the Empire style, which he used to emphasize his power.