Sedan Clocks

The Sedan Chair Clock dates from the late 18th century to the early 19th century - a sort of crossover between a clock and a watch, many were in fact fitted with watch movements .... but not all. Some were fitted with a movement which appears to have been made specifically for the Sedan Clock and would be far too big for a watch.

Shapes vary from round, shield and rectangular. All are 30 hour, with Verge escapement and are chain driven. Although called a Sedan Chair Clock, there is no evidence to suggest that they were ever used in a Sedan Chair; a more compelling theory is that they were used by wealthy people in their carriages. The clocks would be kept in the Hall of a country house pending the arrival of the carriage from the stables. The clock would then be removed from the wall and placed in the carriage. A row of these clocks in the Hall would, of course, indicate that the wealthy owner had many carriages. The Sedan Chair Clock therefore became important because of its ability to show wealth!