French travel clock comparable to “Grande Sonnerie” – Vacheron Constantin

This elegant French travel clock (“Carriage Clock”) with a glazed brass case and fully visible mechanical movement is presented in the style of Vacheron Constantin, but in our assessment, it is not an original brand manufacture, rather a high-quality imitation or stylistic reproduction.

It comes with the original brown leather case with red velvet lining, a winding key, and a workshop receipt from Carl Glück in Munich dated 1953. The clock measures approximately 14.5 × 9.5 × 8.5 cm and weighs 1,737 grams, the case about 20 × 12 × 11.5 cm; the total weight is 2,232 grams.

The polished brass case features real glass and displays a white dial with Roman numerals. The movement is manually wound and fully visible through the glazed side panels. The movement bears engravings such as “MADE IN FRANCE,” “PATENTED,” and the serial number “353,” as well as functional markings “SONNERIE / SILENCE,” “AIGUILLES,” and “RETARD / AVANCE.” Additionally, there is a construction code “T663,” an inventory number “D 50220,” and handwritten entries.

A workshop receipt from Carl Glück in Munich, dated 1953, documents a professional overhaul with the note: “Parisian travel clock, 5 jewels, was serviced and oiled” — evidence of the careful technical maintenance and the high quality of the mechanism.

Stylistically, the piece is reminiscent of “Grande Sonnerie” models by Vacheron Constantin around 1900, but in our assessment, it is a high-quality reproduction or custom-made piece, that is modeled after these originals.

For collectors and specialists, the piece features several notable characteristics: the fully visible movement as a technically sophisticated detail, the original leather case with a functional interior, the documented overhaul with handwritten note, the serial number, and the stylistic features that allow typological classification, as well as the authentic patina and signs of use that emphasize the historical character of the item. Thus, the clock represents an interesting collector’s piece with documented history and distinctive presence.