Comitti of London 'Tempus Fugit' Bracket Clock

This is a high-quality contemporary bracket clock produced by the renowned English clockmaker Comitti of London. The case is constructed from rich mahogany with burl wood veneers on the front face, featuring a classic break-arch top and a solid brass carry handle. The dial plate is heavily ornamented with brass corner spandrels, a silvered chapter ring featuring Roman numerals, and a circular boss in the arch engraved with 'Tempus Fugit' (Time Flies) surrounded by a laurel wreath. The center of the dial is finely engraved with a floral pattern and displays the maker's mark 'COMITTI London'. The clock features ornate black serpentine hands and three winding holes, indicating a movement with chime and strike capabilities. Architecturally, the piece includes fretwork side panels backed with red fabric to allow the sound of the bells or gongs to resonate. It sits on four decorative brass bracket feet. The condition appears to be excellent with a well-maintained lustrous finish on the wood and minimal tarnishing on the brass elements. A winding key is perched on the top. This piece represents a late 20th-century homage to traditional 18th-century English horological design, demonstrating superior craftsmanship and mechanical complexity.

I have conducted a thorough visual examination of this Comitti of London 'Tempus Fugit' bracket clock. The mahogany case displays exceptional quality, featuring book-matched burl veneers and a well-preserved high-luster finish. The brass furniture, including the spandrels and side frets, exhibits the crisp casting associated with Comitti’s premium production. Based on the presence of three winding arbors and the high-end cabinetry, I identify this as having a triple-chime movement (likely playing Westminster, Whittington, and St. Michael melodies), which significantly enhances its marketability over standard striking models. The condition appears excellent; I note no significant checking in the veneers or fatigue in the silvered chapter ring. Current market demand for high-quality English revival clocks remains stable among traditional collectors, though it does not reach the heights of genuine 18th-century pieces. Comparables for this specific model in such condition typically realize prices in the $1,200 to $1,800 range at specialist horological auctions or retail settings. Limitations: This appraisal is based solely on digital images. Without a physical inspection, I cannot verify the mechanical integrity of the movement, the presence of internal signatures, or whether the escapement has been properly maintained. A full authentication would require removing the back plate to inspect the gearing for wear, verifying the movement is an original Comitti/German manufacture (often Kieninger or Hermle), and checking the strike/chime synchronization. I recommend verifying the provenance through any original purchase receipts or service logs to confirm the clock's age and maintenance history.