KIENZLE 8 day mantel clock by Heinrich Moeller, 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 beauty of this mantel clock is testament to Moeller's attention to detail and the guiding axiom that a clock should be a work of art and not just a piece of furniture. The clock, which is of solid brass apart from the steel back-plate, displays the classic Moeller characteristics of a slim silhouette, pedestal base and raised hour markers. It is driven by a hand-wound, high quality 8 day jewelled lever movement. The lacquer to the brasswork has begun to degrade and there are some scratches to the rear, but this would not justify refinishing. There are also some scratches to the domed glass but these are barely visible against the bright white dial.The clock has been disassembled, cleaned and serviced and is in very good overall vintage condition. It is in full working order and keeping good time with a very quiet tick. It will be supplied with instructions on regulating (if necessary).