Table clock Napoleon III Marble, Spelter - 1910-1920

Type: Clock with sculpture
Mechanism: Paris
Brand: S.C.A.P.H.
Period: Late 19th century
Country: France
Materials: Calamine and pink marble
With key
Good condition for its age and use
Dimensions: 34 x 45 x 20 cm.

Exceptional desk clock wound by a base of pink marble and a sculpture in calamine machinery Paris. It masterfully combines calamine sculpture with the nobility of marble. Inside the mechanism bears the brand’s seal, the Société Clusienne d’Appareils de Précision et d’Horlogerie, or S.C.A.P.H. The piece features a highly theatrical composition, in which a female figure lies reclined on a pink-veined marble base, providing luminosity and contrast to the whole. The work, signed by A. Richin, depicts a young woman dressed in a tunic inspired by classical style, whose drapery and suspended gesture evoke Greco-Roman tradition reinterpreted by the eclectic taste of the Second Empire.

The clock, organically integrated into the scene, sits beside the figure as if rising from a Rococo setting, crowned with botanical elements that recall the ornamental repertoire of late Baroque. The machinery is delicately embedded in the sculptural body, reinforcing the fusion between functionality and decorative sculpture.

This piece stands as a testimony to refined French craftsmanship of the era, where the art of calamine and marble united to create objects not only utilitarian but also rich in artistic expression and aesthetic sensitivity. Perfectly preserved, this clock is ideal for both collectors and classical interiors seeking a piece with strong scenographic and symbolic character.

About Société Clusienne d’Appareils de Précision et d’Horlogerie, or S.C.A.P.H.:
The Société Clusienne d’Appareils de Précision et d’Horlogerie (S.C.A.P.H.) was a French clock-making manufacturer based in Cluses, a town in the Haute-Savoie region known for its watchmaking tradition since the 18th century. Although not as famous as other horology houses, S.C.A.P.H. played a significant role in the production of precision movements and decorative clocks during the 19th and 20th centuries.
S.C.A.P.H. specialized in manufacturing high-quality clock movements, including 8-day mechanisms with anchor or cylinder escapements, and fine regulation Brocot systems. These movements were used in a variety of table and mantel clocks, often integrated into ornamental designs reflecting the artistic styles of the period, such as Art Nouveau and Louis XVI style. The company also produced movements in metals such as brass and alpacca, known for durability and aesthetic finish.
S.C.A.P.H. collaborated with renowned sculptors and designers to create clocks that combined functionality and art. A notable example is the collaboration with the Moreau brothers, Louis Auguste and Hippolyte François, artists known for their decorative sculptures. These collaborations resulted in mantel clocks featuring female figures and classical motifs, integrating sculpture and watchmaking into unique pieces.
Today, S.C.A.P.H. clocks are prized by collectors and horology enthusiasts for their build quality and aesthetic value, as the house represents an important part of French clockmaking history, notable for its commitment to technical precision and artistic excellence.

Product shipping will be paid by the buyer based on dimensions, weight, and destination. We will contact you to arrange and agree on the budget. Shipping costs include professional, custom-made packaging; and personalized shipping with tracking number and warranty. The buyer will be responsible for paying import duties and associated taxes in the destination country, if any. Please note the seller’s liability disclaimer regarding possible customs charges, as these are charged in the destination country and the amount payable is determined by that country’s customs. If an export permit is required, the costs are borne by the buyer. The cost depends progressively on the value of the work to be exported.