Rolex France supports the restoration of a masterpiece astronomical clock gifted to Louis XV through its patronage activities

This astronomical pendulum clock, crafted by Claude-Siméon Passement, was presented to King Louis XV of France and continued to adorn a corner of the Palace of Versailles. This historic masterpiece, which had fallen into disrepair, has now been restored through the patronage of Rolex France.

A pendulum clock with astronomical display made by Passmann, the king's mechanical engineer

　Since 2018, Rolex France has been supporting the restoration of the "King's Corner Room" at the Palace of Versailles, and is now supporting the restoration of an astronomical pendulum clock created by Claude-Siméon Passement.

　After being partially disassembled, the Passmann pendulum clock was transported from the Palace of Versailles to the workshops of the National Centre for Restoration and Research of French Museums for the first stage of an exceptional restoration.

　The restoration, which will take two years and involve a team of 12 restoration specialists and leading scientific experts in their fields, has been made possible through the patronage of Rolex France. This marks the first time such a fundamental restoration of such an important pendulum clock has been attempted.

　This pendulum clock was designed by Passmann, the king's mechanical engineer, and took approximately 30 years to build. The movement was created by watchmaker Louis d'Authieu, and the gilded bronze case was designed by Jacques Caffieri and his son, Philippe II. Approved by the Royal Academy of Sciences in 1749, it was installed at the Palace of Versailles in 1754 and immediately became a renowned masterpiece of the Rococo style.

　Since March 24, 2022, under the guidance of an interdisciplinary scientific committee of top experts, the Passmann pendulum clock has been studied and work has begun towards its complete restoration.

　The case is made of metals including gold-plated bronze, brass, stainless steel, and copper, and is also enamel-decorated. It is a magnificent piece, but it is currently covered in dust. The mechanism has shown signs of severe wear due to aging, and many of the displays are currently malfunctioning. There is also a risk of breakdown. The stamping function is also not working, but this will also be repaired.

　This unprecedented restoration will see the movement completely disassembled, cleaned, analysed and then reassembled. This exceptional restoration will restore this historic Passmann pendulum clock to the splendour of the reign of Louis XV and ensure it works as it once did.