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Lot Essay
The case for this clock, with its lustrous mahogany and restrained but dazzling quality ormolu mounts, was crafted to house the clock works by one of the finest chronometer makers of the 19th century. Pierre Louis (Louis) Berthoud (1754-1813) was apprenticed to his father Pierre (1740-1767) at twelve, his exceptional skills were recognized by his famous uncle, Ferdinand Berthoud (1727-1807), who brought him to Paris. Louis succeeded his uncle in 1807 as Horloger de la Marine until his death in 1813 when Motel, who had been his apprentice, took over.
Berthoud was awarded a prize from the Institut de Paris for a decimal time chronometer and was awarded 10,000 francs a year by Napoleon Bonaparte on condition that he instructed five pupils a year in the art of chronometer making. He received further prizes for his watches Nos. 27 and 32, which were carried by Baron von Humboldt during his journey down the Orinoco and Amazon in 1799-1800 and a gold medal for his work. He was succeeded by his nephews Louis and Charles August who also later became Horlogers de la Marine.
Berthoud was awarded a prize from the Institut de Paris for a decimal time chronometer and was awarded 10,000 francs a year by Napoleon Bonaparte on condition that he instructed five pupils a year in the art of chronometer making. He received further prizes for his watches Nos. 27 and 32, which were carried by Baron von Humboldt during his journey down the Orinoco and Amazon in 1799-1800 and a gold medal for his work. He was succeeded by his nephews Louis and Charles August who also later became Horlogers de la Marine.