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Object Overview
“La Couronne du Temps” — this table barometer, dating to circa 1880 and crafted by the master watchmaker Antoine Redier, is an exquisite fusion of artistry and precision engineering. A rare example of its kind, it captivates the observer with its thoughtful design and timeless elegance. The name refers both to the decorative knurled screw cap (crown) and to the metaphorical function of “measuring the time of weather.”
The drum-shaped brass case, gracefully resting on two miniature legs, evokes the image of a pocket watch come to life on a table. Crowned with a decorative knurled screw cap reminiscent of a watch crown, the case reflects Redier’s deep understanding of the intricacies of watchmaking. On the reverse, a calibration port is discreetly placed, ensuring the barometer’s accuracy is maintained.
The dial is protected by flat glass set into a thin brass bezel. The glazed cardboard dial features a barometric scale in centimeters of mercury, ranging from 69 to 80. Outside the scale is a standard weather text indicator in French. At the bottom of the dial is the inscription , flanked by Redier’s iconic logo: the letters “A RED” — a hallmark of authenticity and craftsmanship. The dial is framed by a polished reflector ring, enhancing its elegant design.
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Redier
brass, cardboard, glass
Inside, the barometer reveals its true beauty: a characteristic continental-style conventional cantilever mechanism, rivaling the elegance of a watch’s escapement. The rack-and-pinion movement, powered by a single precision-engineered aneroid capsule with a diameter of 5 cm, is a true symphony of balance and sensitivity. The instrument’s sleek and minimalist design is a testament to Redier’s genius — a master capable of transforming time into tangible form.
Antoine Redier, an officer of the Legion of Honor, was born in Perpignan, Eastern Pyrenees. He was an apprentice to Frédéric Perrelet, a renowned Swiss watchmaker. After completing military service, he entered the Paris School of Watchmaking on the recommendation of François Arago, a professor at the École Polytechnique and a family friend.
After obtaining his diploma, Redier worked for three years with Henri Robert, another renowned watchmaker, where he achieved notable success in repairing the clocks of the Couvent des Oiseaux monastery. In 1842, he purchased the Duchemin workshop located on Place du Châtelet in Paris and established himself as a master watchmaker. Later, he transformed the workshop into “Maison Redier & Cie.” Thanks to his numerous inventions in the field of measuring instruments, the company gained significant prominence.
Antoine Redier was not only a watchmaker but also an outstanding inventor, credited with the invention of the alarm clock. He also collaborated with Lucien Vidie on the creation of the aneroid barometer and even developed a method for its mass production. Redier manufactured barometers, thermometers, hygrometers, counters, chronometers, regulators, and more. Beginning in 1876, he developed a series of recording instruments using a combination of weights and gear systems, known as the “differential mechanism.” Redier’s self-recording barometer, based on a mercury tube, was the first such recording device and was used at meteorological stations. This innovation predated the barograph, which was based on Lucien Vidie’s invention of the sensitive aneroid capsule.
In 1892, at the age of 75, Redier passed away. His company was absorbed by Léon Maxant in 1905.