Dick I really like that and as for the finish I wonder if one of the drying oils such as Tung or BLO might do the trick. Since you have many layers and levels on that clock it would be easy to apply one of the oils which would soak into the woods and then harden no need to worry about brush strokes etc. Just an idea. Thanks for sharing the clock with us, will be interested in hearing what you finally come up with in the way of the finish.
DW