It is open to debate when the first carriage clock was actually invented, as spring driven portable clocks have been around for centuries and their origin can be dated back to the 15th Century.

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However, it is widely recognised the first true French carriage clock or pendule de voyage was made in Paris by Abraham-Louis Breguet in the early 19th century for the Emperor Napoléon.  Breguet is regarded as the finest and most versatile horologist of his era and today his name continues in Breguet Watches.  

 

The early clocks were often referred to as pendules d'officier or 'Officers Clocks'.  These very early clocks by Breguet often in humpback, empire or wood cased design are very desirable and in many cases rare and found in museums.

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Appearance and design of the carriage clock over time has evolved, however the basic design and functionality has more or less remained to this day.   The typical French carriage clock is made of brass or gilt-brass with five panels of bevelled glass.  The going train is mainly spring driven with a platform balance escapement. The clocks ranged from basic inexpensive timepieces to clocks with further functions and complications such as striking, repeater striking, sonnerie (grande and petit) and calendars.  Often, good makers such as Drocourt, Jacot, Le Roy and Garnier won awards for their clocks at the Paris Exhibitions for their ornate and beautiful designs. 

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The clocks were desirable due to their functionality, portability and array of beautiful designs, including ornate cases, decorative engravings and painted porcelain panels. The clocks became very popular throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries as people travelled around more and the clocks served a purpose.  The era of the French carriage clock can be regarded as the hundred years between 1830-1930. 

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It was not until the latter part of the 19th Century that mass production started and the French carriage clock industry flourished in the Saint Nicolas -d' Aliermont and Franche-Comté.  Clock part manufacture and assembly would be undertaken by several different factories in the French regions and in Paris.  

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By the mid 20th century and with advancement of other forms of cheaper and more practical portable timepieces such as wristwatches and the invention of more reliable quartz battery operated movements the carriage clock industry slowly declined as the clocks fell out of popularity.  There are still one or two remaining manufacturers such as Bayard and derelict or repurposed factories can be still be seen today in France.  

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It should also be noted that other countries such as England, Switzerland, America and Germany also manufactured their own carriage clocks all of differing quality and design.  English clocks were often made larger but equally as desirable as antiques today.  

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Several retailers sought to replicate the clocks in the later 20th century and today there still some good quality vintage clocks available with mechanical movements such as L'EPPEE, and Matthew Norman.  French carriage clocks are often synonymous with presentation or retirement gifts which were popular throughout the 1980-90's but this trend is declining with other forms of gifts preferred and change in behaviours in rewarding. 

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However, today over two-hundred years after Breguet made the first carriage clock , good quality antique and vintage carriage clocks are making a comeback as desirable antique collectors items that can add beauty and enhance any home.