A Louis XVI ormolu cercles tournants table clock, Gabriel Courieult, Paris, circa 1780

the re-painted sphere amidst billowing clouds and applied with silvered stars, the gilt hours and minutes rings inset with enamel numerals, flanked by the figure of Chronos with Cupid seated below indicating the time with an arrow and symbolising the triumph of love over time, two further winged putti relieving Chronos of his sand glass and scythe, the stepped breakfront base signed Courieult A Paris and containing a similarly signed bell striking movement with numbered outside count wheel, anchor escapement with silk suspension,   

Private Collection, Paris

Globe has been re-painted and could be improved, enamel numerals in generally good condition, restoration to XII. Movement is very dirty and not running but is complete and appears to retain the original wheelwork throughout, pendulum lacking lower rod and bob. Case retains much of the original gilding but is rather dirty, some rubbing to edges and corners. With incomplete pendulum but no winder. Very good casting and chasing to the bronzes.
"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."

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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."

Gabriel Courieult became Maitre in 1767 and was working at Rue de Grenelle between 1769 and 1783.

There is a very similar clock in the Wallace Collection, London, Fig 1, described in great detail by Peter Hughes The Wallace Collection Catalogue of Furniture, Vol.1, 1996, Pages 491-498.  Hughes attributes the case of that clock to Etienne Martincourt working to a design by the sculptor Augustin Pajou as a larger version with a musical base, made circa 1780, is similarly attributed in a sale in 1824.

Augustin Pajou (1730-1809) was an exceptional student sculptor maintained by Louis XV at the Ecole Royale des Elèves Protégés. In 1752 he travelled to Rome arriving back in Paris four years later.  He accepted the Académie Royale in 1759. Obtaining both Royal and private commissions he is particulalry known for his portrait sculpture. During the revolution he was appointed to a commission charged with preserving monuments. 

It would appear that, to date, only four examples of this attractive model have been identified and that the present clock is previously unrecorded. It differs slightly from the other known examples in having a plain gilt plinth rather than one inset with a plaque and further marble base. However, it is the only example to be signed on both the case and movement and one of only two to have an ormolu rather than patinated figure of Chronos.