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Formerly known as the "white tower" due to the lime plaster with which it is covered, the clock tower is a vestige of the ancient fortifications of the town.
Featuring towers, posterns and gates, the fortifications were destroyed in the 18th century as part of a plan to modernise the town.
The clock tower was a feature of strategic defence. Constructed in this district which was designated the "clock district" by the 16th century, it enabled surveillance of the valleys of the Creuse and the Beauze, both upstream and downstream from the town in front of the castle.
The dates engraved at various points on the tower bear witness to several periods of restoration.
The tower is constructed in a circular design. Its "pepper pot" or cone-shaped roof is covered with chestnut shingle cut to a point at the edge.
The roof is open at the top and is topped with a finial decorated with floral patterns.
On the tower façade, three clocks facing the town display the time.
They are connected to the traditional metal and wood clock mechanism, which still remains inside the tower, although it now functions using an electric system. The mechanism bears the signature of A. Montagnon, a former clockmaker of Aubusson.
Dating back to the 16th century and listed as a national heritage site (Monument Historique), the clock features bas relief and black letter inscriptions.
The tower is located on a steep rocky outcrop sloping down from the Plateau des Granges overlooking the Creuse valley.
From the platform in front of the tower added in 2001, visitors can enjoy an extensive panorama of the town.
