A large and attractive French Louis XVI ormolu and marble sculptural mantel clock, L'Emploi du Temps, Ferdinand Berthoud

17-cm enamel dial with Roman numerals signed Ferdinand Berthoud, fine foliate pierced and engraved gilt hands, substantial similarly signed six pillar movement with anchor escapement and silk suspended pendulum, numbered countwheel striking on a bell, finely cast and chiseled ormolu case with break arch top surmounted by trailing oak leaves and further scrolling leaves to the lower corners, an elegant classical lady sitting on a stool to the side reading a book, personifying Study, rectangular base on a moulded black marble plinth

dial in original condition with a few small scratches, minute rim chips at the winding holes and fine regulation, dialfeet broken, hands of very good quality, hour hand a little bent, movement in original working order but might benefit from a cleaning, case of very good quality with well worked different areas to show the different textures, gilding original and in good condition with minor rubbing to the base, marble plinth in good condition made for this clock but probably of later date, together with this plinth and a pendulum
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Ferdinand Berthoud (1727 - 1807) was born in the Jura and became an apprentice clockmaker at the age of fourteen. Moving to Paris in 1745 he became master clockmaker on 4 December 1753, shortly after having presented a clock at the Académie des Sciences. He acquired a celebrated reputation and, like his colleague Jean-Baptiste Baillon, he established a large and succesful business at rue du Harlay. He produced numerous publications on accurate timekeeping and clock making. Besides this he produced fine decorative clocks. On these he often worked in conjunction with the most famous fondeurs-ciseleurs and ébénistes of his day, such as Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain, Charles Cressent and Balthazar Lieutaud.

His skill and eminence are illustrated by the many honours that were bestowed on him. He became clockmaker to the French Royal Navy, Member of the Institute of France, Chevalier of the Legion of Honour and Fellow of the Royal Society of London.

This model was originally known as L'Emploi du Temps, designed in 1754 for Madame Geoffrin by Laurent Guiard. Her salon was frequented by writers and artists. Guiard probably used Nattier's portrait of Madame Geoffrin as Study painted in 1738 as example.  Lit. Hughes, French Eighteenth-Century Clocks and Barometers in the Wallace Collection, pp. 54,; Derek Roberts, Precision Pendulum Clocks, France, Germany, America and recent advancements, pp. 10.; Tardy, Dictionnaire des horlogers Français, pp.49-50.; H. Ottomeyer & P. Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Vol. 1, , pp.160.