Lapis lazuli and rock crystal table clock by Royale Geneve

This beautiful table clock by the Swiss maker Royale Geneve is exquisitely crafted from decadent materials. The clock stands on a black onyx base, raised on a gilt metal step. On the onyx base rest two egrets and the clock drum. The drum, raised on a pyramidal mother of pearl plinth, is dodecagonal in shape, having a twelve faceted profile. The drum is formed from lapis lazuli edged in gilt metal and contains the mother of pearl clock dial, the dial inset with diamonds at the twelve, three, six, and nine o’clock positions and signed ‘Royale Geneve / Swiss Quartz’.

The clock drum is flanked by egrets. Each egret stands in a naturalistic pose on a gilt metal and lapis lazuli cylindrical shaped podium. The body of each bird is formed from delicately carved rock crystal; the legs are crafted from cast and chased gilt metal; and the bird’s bill is carved from lapis lazuli, the crown of its head from gilt metal studded with diamonds, and its eyes from rubies.