The seventeenth century saw the development of the Rococo style. This extremely ornate style favored by the French aristocracy was a full room style whereby every item in the room was an integral part of the overall presentation. The style was characterized by extremely ornate furniture, small statues, and wall hangings (elaborately framed paintings, tapestries and mirrors), which was used in conjunction with wall and ceiling paintings and ornate floors.

Not surprisingly, this also meant that clocks – at the time symbols of wealth and sophistication in France – were also done in Rococo style. The result was some of the most elaborately ornate wall clocks ever designed. Further, since these were commissioned by the wealthiest of the aristocracy, few designs were ever replicated or mass produced, instead almost all eighteenth century Rococo wall clocks are one of a kind original creations with a specific history.

Many of these Rococo style clocks – better known today as Cartel clocks – were made primarily out of ormolu, or gilt bronze, although other rare and beautiful materials were also employed. Most Cartel clock had both and hour and a minute hand but not a second hand, because the requisite pendulum for a second hand was too long to be hung without disrupting the style. The face of the clock was usually fairly plain, using black Roman numerals on a white background with ornate hands.

The real ornament was primarily confined to the clock case. Most Cartel clocks had extremely curvy, flowing lines as opposed to sharp angles, and were extremely elaborate in detail. Frequently these designs integrated in small figurines, leaves, vines, coats of arms, and other extremely detailed images. Beyond the gilt bronze, many were also inlaid with colored stones and glass and enhanced with enamel or paint embellishment. The over all effect was one of extreme elegance and artistry.

Today, real eighteenth century Cartel clocks are high value collector’s items, frequently being sold for tens of thousands of dollars. However, there are also several manufacturers that produce replicas and imitations which are much more reasonably priced. Rococo style generally integrated all decoration with the room to create the desired effect, but an extremely ornate imitation Cartel clock can still add a touch of luxury to a non-Rococo room.