ROLEX, SPONSOR OF THE RESTORATION OF THE PASSEMANT CLOCK
On the occasion of the tercentenary of the coronation of Louis XV, the Palace of Versailles presents an exhibition that honors this monarch nicknamed the « Beloved » yet so little known today.
The highlight of this exhibition to be discovered from October 18, 2022 to February 19, 2023: the famous astronomical clock by Passemant, an icon of the reign of Louis XV, who was passionate about watchmaking. A masterpieceworkrestored thanks to the patronage of Rolex.
Passemant’s clock on its marble base in the Cabinet de la pendule © Château de Versailles / C Milet
Icon of the collections of the Palace of Versailles, the astronomical clock by Passemant constitutes, with the woodwork by Jacques Verbeckt, the king’s desk by Riesner and the commode-médailler by Antoine Robert Gaudreaus, the most beautiful ensemble of French decorative art of the reign of Louis XV. A masterpiece of rocaille art and a scientific monument characteristic of the French genius of the 18th century, Passemant’s clock alone embodies Louis XV’s taste for the sciences and for clockmaking in particular.
Made according to the design chosen by the king, this clock is undergoing a scientific study and a complete restoration of its bronzes and its astronomical and horological mechanism in the workshops of the Centre de recherche et de restauration des musées de France (C2RMF), a world first for a clock of this importance.
A mapping, projected around the clock on the walls of the room, will allow visitors to immerse themselves in this remarkable work, offering a masterful entry into the exhibition.
A patron of the restoration of the King’s corner cabinet in 2018-2020, Rolex is renewing its support for the Château de Versailles by accompanying the restoration of Passemant’s astronomical clock.
The astronomical clock delivered to Louis XV in January 1754 in Versailles will be restored at the research and restoration center of the museums of France, in Paris
Perpetuating the culture
Rolex, renowned worldwide for its craftsmanship and the quality of its watches, has encouraged the pursuit of perpetual excellence in the arts for over half a century. The Swiss watch manufacturer supports some of the most talented artists and leading cultural institutions in order to perpetuate the artistic heritage, creating bridges between past, present and future. This long-term commitment to culture around the world extends to areas such as music, architecture and film, including through the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative, which encompasses many art forms. In all these initiatives, Rolex encourages the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next, making a lasting contribution to culture worldwide.
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