Swiss museum displays 17th-century clock made for insomniac pope

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the International Museum of Horology in La Chaux-de-Fonds is displaying an exceptional night clock, designed in 1682 by the Italian Pietro Tommaso Campani. The timepiece was designed to meet the requirements of Pope Alexander VII. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Silent and discreetly lit, the clock is an "emblematic figure" of Italian watchmaking, said the museum on Saturday on the occasion of its anniversary weekend. Combining technical innovation and artistic prowess, it features a painted dial attributed to the master Carlo Maratta. This type of clock was originally created to meet the requirements of the "insomniac" Pope Alexander VII. The latter, whose pontificate lasted more than 12 years and ended in 1667, was indeed eager to consult the time at night, without being disturbed by light or noise, explains the MIH. Collection completed Thanks to the "invaluable" support of the friends of the International Museum of ...