The Clockwork Globe by the Abbé Réginald Outhier (1694-1774) of Besançon, presented to the French Royal Academy of Sciences in 1727, “I. B. CATTIN M. DCC. XXVI.” by the clockmaker, Jean-Baptiste Cattin of Fort de Plasne in Franche-Comté. Signed “I. B CATTIN” on the movement.

"Globe Mouvant"

The globe consists of a copper gilt celestial sphere engraved with bright stars and constellations. It conceals a mechanism which turns the globe one revolution daily. The movement has survived in very fine condition and is virtually unaltered. It has a verge escapement and a short pendulum with a tandem barrel for going and striking. An hour hand and silvered chapter ring at the pole mark the motion of the globe.

In addition, subsidiary wheelwork, near the base of the globe drives Sun and Moon arms that move relative to the celestial sphere to maintain their correct position against the background stars. The Moon arm carries a small sphere and a mask to show its phases. When the Sun and Moon discs are superimposed, an eclipse is predicted. Outhier also claimed the wheel work is able to adjust for the precession of the Equinoxes and the Metonic Cycle.

Unlike his later globes, this one incorporates hour striking. The ebonized base is a copy of the original depicted in the engraving accompanying Outhier's description.