Renaissance time

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Swiss people love instruments made for time measurement. In its press release announcing the sale of September 18 in Zurich, Koller proudly announces that it is traditional with them that "some important clocks are being offered for sale." My modest experience in searching auction news allows me to confirm that it is absolutely true.

On the art market, the clock may be classified either as furnishing or as watchmaking, according to its characteristics. Although finely painted, the Ulm clock to be sold by Koller comes into this latter category.

Made circa 1625 and signed Christof Pleig, this iron table clock summarizes the knowledge of the Renaissance in terms of time measurement. In a turret decorated with allegories including a memento mori, it provided all the information that one could wish: hour, minute, date, day of the week, phase of the moon, zodiac, duration of day and night, sunrise and sunset times.

This marvel that was exhibited on loan in a museum of its hometown is estimated 100 KCHF.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

So. No success: the Ulm clock has not been sold. It is available in after-sale until October 15.