POUVILLON REPRODUCTION

In march of 2014 I learned that in the Netherlands a rough copy of the Pouvillon clock based on the photos from this website was made. The clock shown here was made by Rene Kersten associated with Patoe Ateliers, Maastricht, Netherlands. The last photo shows another photo in connection with the TEFAF antiques show in June 2022 in Maastricht.

There were many shortcuts taken in the areas of the tellurian, orrery, Easter calculator and cam works and the overall quality is not the same. The lower ring depicting the precession of the zodiac is missing along with the complex gearing to make this complication. The wheel cutting is far cruder than Pouvillon's work. But I have to say I do like the copy's use of a half-second compensated pendulum which gives a lively view lacking in the original where the one-second pendulum is hidden within the base. The clock is several inches higher on its reproduced base than the original offering a better view. The use of enamel dial-work is an interesting feature. It adds color and vibrancy. But unfortunately it is poorly done, with no bezel work around the edges of the various dials to hide the rough edges inherent in enamel dial work.

The restoration work on the original was completed in September of 2012 with this copy coming to my attention in March of 2014. So it is apparent that the duplicator probably began, at least his preliminary work, before the restoration was complete. It is for sale and at the price being asked, all I can say is that for very little more the purchaser could have my better quality original! It remains unsold as of 2022.

Photo from advertisement for the TEFAF by the Patoe Ateliers in 2022. It appears to remain unsold from 2014 to this time in 2025.