Ormolu and Gray Marble Mantel Clock with Decimal Time

A very fine and rare bronze-gilt mantel clock with decimal time, on a stately gray marble pedestal with ormolu decorative chains.

The decree for the use of decimal time was issued on November 24, 1793 and stipulated that midnight was 10 o'clock and noon was 5 o'clock. Some watches from this period show both decimal and duodecimal time. Unlike the Republican calendar which was easier to accept, decimal timepieces were very difficult to produce and the public had great difficulty adjusting to the new system. Mandatory use of decimal time was officially suspended in 1795.