Matthias Naeschke Table Clock NT 2
This fine table clock from the Germany’s Naeschke manufactory features high art combination of traditional materials, supremely classic form and extraordinary mechanical complications.
Its elegantly solid construction provides for a full running reserve of 60 days. The mainspring power is moderated by a barrel and fusee and its Swiss lever platform, with a screwed balance escapement as the regulating organ, beats at 14.400 per hour.
The clock has two dials and therefore requires a motion work on either side of its main plates. The local time zone is displayed on a chapter ring around a world time display. A perpetual calendar with leap year display is integrated into the display of the calendar week together with a power reserve indication.
On a second 24 hour dial on the reverse side of the clock is another pair of hands and here the hour hand incorporates hourly latching which can then be adjusted to represent a second time zone. This table clock presents many useful functions in a very confined space. But these special functions are surely needed for a good overview in a globalised and networked world. And of course with Matthias Naeschke’s inspired designs, its complications are purely and exclusively mechanical.
The dials of this table clock are true masterpieces of the engraver’s art. The dials and the case are a complex assembly creating stylistic elements redolent of the French Empire style. The chapter rings are of sterling silver, hand-sewn and comprehensively worked with especially fine hand engravings.
The surrounding decoration elements of the dials are worked in relief and give the dials an incomparable depth. On the dial with the second time zone is a very special relief. Here, the manufactory was inspired by the famous allegorical depictions of “Morning”, “Noon”, “Evening” and “Night” by the Dresden art Professor Johannes Schilling ca. 1861-68. The originals are bronze castings on the north side of the Brühl Terrace in Dresden. As well there are copies made of Elb Sandstone in the Schlossteichpark in the East German town of Chemnitz.
The case, also emulating the Empire style, consists of finest ebony, which is rare and now very difficult to obtain. Appliqués of sterling silver set brilliant accents and give emphasis to the clear design idiom.
A most interesting refinement of this table clock case remains concealed. A large ball-bearing turntable is integrated into the base, enabling the entire piece to float almost imperceptibly 1 mm above the table. Thus the whole clock rotates on its own central axis and the change between the dial views is quick and effortless or alternatively to see through the faceted glass panes and marvel at the highly polished and gilded mechanical intricacies at work.
