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Object Overview
Swiss Bureau Compendium — a synoptic ensemble in mid-20th century peccary leather, crafted by the renowned horological brand ImHof, often referred to as the “Rolls-Royce” of table clocks.
Created in the tradition of the finest watchmaking, this rare desktop instrument unites an aneroid barometer, a mercury thermometer, and an eight-day clock with alarm. Each element is set within a strict geometric layout of black lacquer, against which the delicate scales and hands shine in crisp contrast.
The barometer dial has an unusual square shape and is made of a thin aluminum plate coated in black lacquer. The barometric scale is calibrated in millimeters of mercury, ranging from 650 to 790. Surrounding the scale are weather terms in French, rendered in uppercase letters.
A distinctive feature of this barometric scale is that it is calibrated for regions with lower-than-normal atmospheric pressure — such as Switzerland and the Alps. For instance, the value of 760 mmHg is aligned with the weather term (very dry), emphasizing that such high pressure is a mark of rare, clear weather. In these regions, “variable weather” typically corresponds to around 710–720 mmHg, while 760 mmHg is uncommon and indicates stable high-pressure conditions or an anticyclone. The manufacturer likely considered aesthetic aspects as well, intentionally shifting the “normal” pressure point to the right — to visually expand the more frequently occurring lower pressure range and to highlight good weather as something exceptional, almost a gift of fate. In this particular case, the term (change) appears at the 720 mmHg mark, indicating that the barometer was calibrated for a location situated at approximately 450 meters above sea level.
337-7812
aneroid capsule tensioned on a C-spring
chrome, enamel, glass, leather
The barometer is based on a conventional movement tensioned on a C-spring, with a characteristic design associated with Lufft, which appears to have produced the movement for ImHof.
The clock features a square dial with a clean geometric design in the Art Deco spirit. The base of the dial is a metal plate painted in deep black, with fine pink-gold calibrations. At the center are three hands — hour, minute, and seconds — each sharply tapered. The hour and minute hands are wide, multifaceted, and finished with crisp bevels.
The numerals are bold Arabic figures, executed in an interwar style with elongated and slightly rounded shapes. Short rectangular markers appear between the numbers, while a smaller square marks the inner minute track.
Beneath the dial, at the base of the case, sits a finely knurled winding crown, designed not only for its elegant tactile quality but also for dual functionality. At its base is a functional push-button, used to set the alarm hand precisely. Turning the crown counterclockwise winds the clock movement, while turning it clockwise winds the alarm — a clever mechanical solution that enhances the piece’s utility while preserving its clean design.
A miniature mercury thermometer is integrated into the ensemble, with a 100-degree Celsius scale and a Réaumur scale engraved on a metallic base.
What lends this piece its special allure is the exterior finish: the entire case is wrapped in ultra-thin peccary leather, a noble material used exclusively in haute de gamme objects. The softness and velvety texture of this leather not only underscore the refined aesthetics of the instrument, but also serve as a reminder of the golden age of utilitarian luxury — a time when even meteorological instruments were crafted with jeweler-like precision.
The inscription “Fab. Suisse” on the barometer is an abbreviation of “Fabriqué en Suisse,” which translates to “Made in Switzerland.” This marking was used by Swiss manufacturers when exporting products to France, in order to emphasize their Swiss origin—especially during periods when French customs regulations required a clear indication of the country of manufacture on imported goods.
Thus, the featured instrument, combining a clock and a barometer with the markings Imhof and “Fab. Suisse,” is a high-quality Swiss-made piece that unites the precision of horology with meteorological functionality, reflecting the traditions and craftsmanship of Swiss watchmaking.