LIP Piezo-Electronic Chronometer Electronic clock in gilded metal, once belonging to General de Gaulle, in its original case having obtained a Bulletin de Marche Chronomètre de Marine issued by the Observatoire National de Besançon. Rectangular case with a glass front, the underside bearing a label with all the operations carried out for oiling as well as changing the batteries with the mention of General de Gaulle's birthday highlighted in red "22 November 1968". Precision electromechanical movement, compliant with marine chronometer standards, bulletin from the Besançon National Observatory (a complete overhaul is planned). H. 8.1 cm - W. 13.5 cm - D. 9 cm According to oral and family tradition, this electronic clock, which stood on the small desk in the Élysée flat, was given to General de Gaulle by Fred Lip on 22.11.68, his birthday. The clock bears a handwritten label on the back, written in black ink by his son, Admiral de Gaulle: "It was on my father's small desk in the private flat at the Élysée Palace, and was given to him on his birthday". Provenance : - Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970) - Then Admiral Philippe de Gaulle (1921-2024) - Then descendants Marine Chronometer Clock The marine chronometer is a key instrument in the history of maritime navigation and precision watchmaking. Its invention solved the crucial problem of determining longitude at sea, improving the safety and efficiency of maritime travel at a time when the great geographical discoveries and maritime trade played a major role. Background and the problem of Longitude For centuries, sailors could determine their latitude using the stars and the sun, but determining longitude remained a challenge. An error in calculating longitude could lead to major deviations, causing shipwrecks and economic losses. To determine longitude accurately, it was necessary to know the exact time at a reference point while at sea. The origins of the Marine Chronometer The invention of the marine chronometer is attributed to John Harrison, a self-taught 18th-century English carpenter and watchmaker. In 1714, the British Parliament passed the Longitude Act, offering a considerable reward to anyone who could solve the problem of longitude. Harrison devoted his life to perfecting devices that could accurately measure time at sea, unaffected by the ship's movements, temperature and humidity. These chronometers are now in the Greenwich Museum in London, the eponymous meridian being the zero point for calculating the different time zones. Chronometers H1 to H3 Harrison has developed several prototypes of marine chronometers, each improving precision and resistance to maritime conditions. H4 stopwatch In 1761, Harrison introduced the H4 model, which looked more like a large pocket watch than his previous models. This instrument was the first to meet the precision requirements for determining longitude, allowing a deviation of just a few seconds after a long sea voyage. The evolution of Marine Chronometers Harrison's success stimulated innovation in watchmaking, and other European watchmakers contributed to the development of even more reliable and affordable marine chronometers. Among them, illustrious names such as Ferdinand Berthoud and Pierre Le Roy made significant advances in France during the 18th century, improving mechanisms to increase their stability and precision. Today, marine chronometers are part of the historical heritage of watchmaking and navigation. This also explains why this clock bears the name of the Besançon Observatory, along with the running report that attests to the chronometer's high level of precision. The Besançon National Observatory The Besançon Observatory, founded in 1884, has played a central role in the city's watchmaking history, helping to define its status as France's watchmaking capital. From the outset, the observatory offered essential services to local watchmakers, including certifying the accuracy of watches and providing exact time. It was the only French establishment authorised to award the title of 'chronometer' to precision instruments such as this clock, which meets strict metrological criteria. Marine Chronometer Clock The marine chronometer is a key instrument in the history of maritime navigation and precision watchmaking. Its invention solved the crucial problem of determining longitude at sea, improving the safety and efficiency of maritime travel at a time when the great geographical discoveries and maritime trade played a major role. Background and problem of Longitude For centuries, sailors were able to determine their latitude from the stars and the sun, but determining longitude remained a challenge. An error in calculating longitude could lead to major deviations, causing shipwrecks and economic losses. To determine longitude accurately, it was necessary to know the exact time at a reference point while at sea. The origins of the Marine Chronometer The invention of the marine chronometer is attributed to John Harrison, a self-taught 18th-century English carpenter and watchmaker. In 1714, the British Parliament passed the Longitude Act, offering a considerable reward to anyone who could solve the problem of longitude. Harrison devoted his life to perfecting devices that would allow accurate measurement of time at sea, unaffected by the ship's movements, temperature and humidity. These chronometers are now in the Greenwich Museum in London, the meridian of the same name being the zero point for calculating the different time zones. Chronometers H1 to H3 Harrison has developed several prototypes of marine chronometers, each improving accuracy and resistance to maritime conditions. H4 Chronometer In 1761, Harrison introduced the H4 model, which looked more like a large pocket watch than his previous models. This instrument was the first to meet the precision requirements for determining longitude, allowing a deviation of just a few seconds after a long sea voyage. The evolution of marine chronometers Harrison's success stimulated innovation in watchmaking, and other European watchmakers contributed to the development of even more reliable and affordable marine chronometers. Among them, illustrious names such as Ferdinand Berthoud and Pierre Le Roy made significant advances in France during the 18th century, improving mechanisms to increase their stability and precision. Today, marine chronometers are part of the historical heritage of watchmaking and navigation. This also explains why this clock bears the name of the Besançon Observatory, along with the running report that attests to the chronometer's high level of precision. The Besançon National Observatory The Besançon Observatory, founded in 1884, has played a central role in the city's watchmaking history, helping to define its status as France's watchmaking capital. From the outset, the observatory offered essential services to local watchmakers, including certifying the accuracy of watches and providing exact time. It was the only French establishment authorised to award the title of 'chronometer' to precision instruments such as this clock, which meets strict metrological criteria.