Astronomical clock

PHILIPPE-JACQUES CORNIQUET, died 1813, clockmaker
Paris, circa 1794
clock indicating duodecimal and decimal hours, days of the seven-day and ten-day weeks, date and phases of the moon
gilt bronze, enamel face
This clock recalls a short period in French clockmaking history, prompted by the new revolutionary calendar that came into force on 15 Vendémiaire Year II (6 October 1793). Like the metric system, whose standardisation in France began in 1790, this calendar stemmed from the revolutionary regime’s determination to adopt a universal system based on the decimal system.

inv. 3130