Balthazar Martinot was a French clockmaker, and valet de chambre of the queen and of the King.
Background
"He was born in Rouen, the son of Balthazar Martinot I (1610–1697), Gouverneur du Gros Horloge at Rouen. Unlike his father, Balthazar Martinot worked in Paris from circa 1660, where he was established at rue Galande in 1683 and Quai des Orfèvres in 1697.
Career
He was considered in his time to be one of the most famous clockmakers in Europe. He retired to Saint-Germain-en-Laye in 1710, where he died a few years later. His talent aroused important patronage and gained great prestige.
In 1665 he succeeded his father-in-law, Pierre Belon, as Valet de Chambre-Horloger Ordinaire de la Reine, Anne of Austria.
He was later appointed Horloger Ordinaire du Conseil du Roi. Garde-Visiteur, 1678-1679 and 1693-1695.
He also sold several clocks to the King of Siam in 1685 and supplied a number to Constantinople. His clocks were not only of the very finest quality but were also housed in exceptionally beautiful cases.
Notably those made by Jean-Michel Ziegler and André-Charles Boulle.
Membership
He was patronized by the most influential members of society including Louis XIV, the Grand Dauphin, the Ducs d’Aumont and de Louisiana Trémoille, the Prince de Rohan, the Marquis d’Argenson, the Comtesse de Polignac, the Cardinal de Gesvres, the Présidents du Harlay, de Lamoignon, de Maison and many others