KIENZLE 8 day open dial mantel clock by Heinrich Moeller, late 1950s

Kienzle, Germany's oldest manufacturer of clocks and watches, produced some of the most recognisable clocks of the 20th century under the creative and visionary direction of Heinrich Moeller, their chief designer from 1931 until 1970. With his background in carpentry and architecture rather than horology, he brought a simple yet distinctive modernist style to Kienzle's pre-war production, elements of which continued to define Kienzle clocks until the 1970s.

The simple appearance of this clock belies the complex construction and Moeller's attention to detail. The drum-style case is of turned solid beech, veneered in mahogany. The open dial is veneered in maple with large solid brass hour markers invisibly pegged to the surface. Notably, the clock appears almost to float by virtue of its unusual tripod base.

The clock is driven by a hand-wound 8 day movement type 413/5, introduced in 1958 and featured in the 1959 British Homological Journal. This high quality 5 jewelled movement coupled with the long regulator lever meant a high degree of accuracy could be achieved. This marked the pinnacle of domestic clockwork timekeeping as within a few years Kienzle would be developing their own battery movements.

The clock has been disassembled, cleaned and serviced and the wooden case has been treated with a restorative solution and wax-polished. There is some ageing to the brasswork and wear to the movement housing but this would not justify refinishing. Overall it is in excellent vintage condition and full working order, keeping good time with a very quiet tick. It will be supplied with instructions on regulating (if necessary).

Movement type

Hand-wound

Dimensions

Diameter 155mm; overall height 180mm; overall depth 60mm. Weight 660g

SOLD

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