In England, France, and other countries with monarchs, many clock makers labeled their clock dials or movements with the phrase "clock maker to the king" or queen, or prince... Some didn't label their timepieces in this way, yet are recognized in horological history as having had an official attribution of this sort.
I am wondering what were the general (or specific) rules (and procedures) for a clock maker being conferred this title, and for maintaining the title. Because of my interests, I am more familiar with French clock makers (horlogers), of which there were several "horloger du roi" (clock maker to the king) at the same time (over a dozen at times), in the 17th and 18th centuries (and probably before). In some cases, it seems the title was conferred because the clock maker had distinguished himself by producing a timepiece of some significant merit, or new design that impressed the king. In other cases, the title seemed to confer an official role at court, and lodging; for example: maintaining and winding the king's clocks, with a salary associated.
Some families seem to have been able to hand down the title to descendants through generations (the Martinot family of horlogers in Paris, for example, from 1572 to 1729 according to Chamberlain.
Obviously, being able to advertise this title on one's timepiece or business sign over the workshop/store would confer some competitive advantage over other clock makers who couldn't make that claim. I assume there were checks and balances to prohibit clock makers from misleadingly customers by illegally conferring themselves the title.
Anyway, it's not very clear, and very little explicit information seems to be available, on exactly HOW a clock maker became honored with that title of "clock maker to the King", and what they needed to do to maintain that title during the many years of their practice.
Any information or insights would be very appreciated, as well as information sources I could research for more details on this subject.
Thank you
--Robert
I am wondering what were the general (or specific) rules (and procedures) for a clock maker being conferred this title, and for maintaining the title. Because of my interests, I am more familiar with French clock makers (horlogers), of which there were several "horloger du roi" (clock maker to the king) at the same time (over a dozen at times), in the 17th and 18th centuries (and probably before). In some cases, it seems the title was conferred because the clock maker had distinguished himself by producing a timepiece of some significant merit, or new design that impressed the king. In other cases, the title seemed to confer an official role at court, and lodging; for example: maintaining and winding the king's clocks, with a salary associated.
Some families seem to have been able to hand down the title to descendants through generations (the Martinot family of horlogers in Paris, for example, from 1572 to 1729 according to Chamberlain.
Obviously, being able to advertise this title on one's timepiece or business sign over the workshop/store would confer some competitive advantage over other clock makers who couldn't make that claim. I assume there were checks and balances to prohibit clock makers from misleadingly customers by illegally conferring themselves the title.
Anyway, it's not very clear, and very little explicit information seems to be available, on exactly HOW a clock maker became honored with that title of "clock maker to the King", and what they needed to do to maintain that title during the many years of their practice.
Any information or insights would be very appreciated, as well as information sources I could research for more details on this subject.
Thank you
--Robert