What is the history of Japanese station and school wall clocks?

During the late Meiji and early Taisho periods, Japanese clockmakers began producing commercial wall clocks modelled on Western railway and schoolhouse designs. These robust timepieces featured clear dials and durable wooden surrounds to withstand daily institutional use.

What materials were traditionally used in early 20th-century wall clocks?

These timepieces were typically constructed with solid or veneered hardwood surrounds, such as mahogany or oak, housing brass mechanical movements. The dials were commonly painted or enamelled metal mounted behind protective glass face covers.

How can you identify an authentic antique dial clock?

Authentic examples usually feature hand-painted or stencilled numerals, dual winding apertures on the dial for pendulum-driven mechanisms, and original trade markers or emblems printed on the face or movement backplate.

How can an antique circular wall clock be styled in a modern interior?

A large wooden dial clock acts as a dramatic focal point when positioned above a minimalist sideboard, within a gallery wall, or hung centrally over a mantlepiece to add historical contrast to modern decor.

How should an antique mechanical wall clock be cared for?

Keep the clock in a temperature-stable environment away from direct heat sources to prevent the wood from warping. The mechanical movement should be wound consistently with an appropriately sized key and serviced by a professional horologist every few years.

for sale €1,463 $1,588

£1,250

Yolanda Gray Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2010

View Dealers Stock Page

Trade Associations

Yolanda Gray Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

Relevant Links

Striking Wall Clock

Large Circular Clock

Railway Station Clock

Id #SA1206600

PDF

SAVE

Large Antique Japanese 20" Mahogany Trademark Railway Station / School Wall Clock (Chiming / Striking)

Name: Large Antique Japanese 20" Mahogany Trademark Railway Station / School Wall Clock (Chiming / Striking)
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1206600
Price: 1250 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by Yolanda Gray Antiques

Description

This is a good quality antique large wall clock, measuring 20-inches in diameter, designed for use as a municipal / railway / station clock, housing a Trademark chiming mechanism, circa 1930 - 1940, which has been lovingly restored to its former glory and is now in good working order.

Summary:

Item: Large Wall Clock

Railway / School Wall Clock design

Circa: 1920

20-inch external diameter

Double barrel brass spring chiming mechanism

Dial displays “Trade-S-Mark” logo

French polished mahogany case

“Deep dish” case design

Original arabic tin dial

Pendulum access door

Brass bezel

Elegant shaped hands

Ivory colour tin dial

Winding key

Detachable adjustable pendulum

Restored & serviced

2-Year UK warranty included

Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*

14-day free UK returns policy

Condition Report:

This is a good quality antique large wall clock, measuring 20-inches in diameter, designed for use as a municipal / railway / station clock, housing a Trademark chiming mechanism, circa 1930 - 1940, which has been lovingly restored to its former glory and is now in good working order. Nominal old use marks to the case and tin dial but nothing significant considering the age of the item. The mahogany case is in good condition. The mahogany case has cleaned and French polished. This large station wall clock retains its original painted tin dial and hands, which show signs of fading, which is to be expected, given its age and original condition. The brass-hinged bezel is in good working order, with some movement in the hinge. The bezel-locking latch is present and working and prevents the bezel from opening. The mechanism has been cleaned and serviced and is in good working order, keeping good time. As we are confident that you will have no problems with the mechanism, we offer a 2-year UK warranty whereby if there were a mechanical problem with the clock, we would collect it free of charge from you, have it repaired and returned free of charge to you. We also offer a 14-day UK returns policy if you were not happy with it or wanted to return it for any reason. Please also note, this clock has the original mechanism; it has not been replaced with a cheaper devaluing electrical battery-operated kit that you see on some clocks.

Price:

The price for this item is £1,250, in order to clear space for new stock. The price also includes free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland* and free 14-day UK returns.

Free UK Delivery*:

We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland (anywhere south of Stirling).

UK 2-Year Warranty:

A 2-year warranty against mechanical failure is provided.

14-Day Free UK Returns & Refunds:

A 14-day free “no quibble” returns policy (from the date you receive the item) is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you.

International Buyers:

If you live outside the UK and you would like to purchase this item, please contact us before purchasing it, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote.

About the Seller:

This item is being sold by Yola Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA and CINOA. Yola Gray has dealt in fine art and antique furniture for over 45 years.

Ref. TP565 / 118024

Declaration

Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this Antique Mahogany Wall Clock to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1206600

Dealers Notes

Please contact us on 01829 458 070 or 07960 738 212 to arrange a viewing. Alternatively, please email: info@yolagray.com

Description

fig 1. A large circular antique wall clock featuring a dark mahogany wooden surround, an off-white dial with bold black Arabic numerals, and twin winding keyholes. — fig 1. Large Antique Japanese 20" Mahogany Trademark Railway Station / School Wall Clock (Chiming / Striking)

Summary:

Item: Large Wall Clock

Railway / School Wall Clock design

Circa: 1920

20-inch external diameter

Double barrel brass spring chiming mechanism

Dial displays “Trade-S-Mark” logo

French polished mahogany case

fig 2. A large circular antique wall clock featuring a dark mahogany wooden surround, an off-white dial with bold black Arabic numerals, and twin winding keyholes. — fig 2. Large Antique Japanese 20" Mahogany Trademark Railway Station / School Wall Clock (Chiming / Striking)

“Deep dish” case design

Original arabic tin dial

Pendulum access door

Brass bezel

Elegant shaped hands

Ivory colour tin dial

Winding key

Detachable adjustable pendulum

Restored & serviced

2-Year UK warranty included

fig 3. A large circular antique wall clock featuring a dark mahogany wooden surround, an off-white dial with bold black Arabic numerals, and twin winding keyholes. — fig 3. Large Antique Japanese 20" Mahogany Trademark Railway Station / School Wall Clock (Chiming / Striking)

Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*

14-day free UK returns policy

Condition Report:

“

Nominal old use marks to the case and tin dial but nothing significant considering the age of the item.

Yolanda Gray Antiques

The mahogany case is in good condition. The mahogany case has cleaned and French polished. This large station wall clock retains its original painted tin dial and hands, which show signs of fading, which is to be expected, given its age and original condition. The brass-hinged bezel is in good working order, with some movement in the hinge. The bezel-locking latch is present and working and prevents the bezel from opening. The mechanism has been cleaned and serviced and is in good working order, keeping good time. As we are confident that you will have no problems with the mechanism, we offer a 2-year UK warranty whereby if there were a mechanical problem with the clock, we would collect it free of charge from you, have it repaired and returned free of charge to you. We also offer a 14-day UK returns policy if you were not happy with it or wanted to return it for any reason. Please also note, this clock has the original mechanism; it has not been replaced with a cheaper devaluing electrical battery-operated kit that you see on some clocks.

fig 4. A large circular antique wall clock featuring a dark mahogany wooden surround, an off-white dial with bold black Arabic numerals, and twin winding keyholes. — fig 4. Large Antique Japanese 20" Mahogany Trademark Railway Station / School Wall Clock (Chiming / Striking)

Price:

The price for this item is £1,250, in order to clear space for new stock. The price also includes free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland* and free 14-day UK returns.

Free UK Delivery*:

fig 5. A large circular antique wall clock featuring a dark mahogany wooden surround, an off-white dial with bold black Arabic numerals, and twin winding keyholes. — fig 5. Large Antique Japanese 20" Mahogany Trademark Railway Station / School Wall Clock (Chiming / Striking)

We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland (anywhere south of Stirling).

UK 2-Year Warranty:

A 2-year warranty against mechanical failure is provided.

14-Day Free UK Returns & Refunds:

fig 6. A large circular antique wall clock featuring a dark mahogany wooden surround, an off-white dial with bold black Arabic numerals, and twin winding keyholes. — fig 6. Large Antique Japanese 20" Mahogany Trademark Railway Station / School Wall Clock (Chiming / Striking)

A 14-day free “no quibble” returns policy (from the date you receive the item) is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you.

International Buyers:

fig 7. A large circular antique wall clock featuring a dark mahogany wooden surround, an off-white dial with bold black Arabic numerals, and twin winding keyholes. — fig 7. Large Antique Japanese 20" Mahogany Trademark Railway Station / School Wall Clock (Chiming / Striking)

If you live outside the UK and you would like to purchase this item, please contact us before purchasing it, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote.

About the Seller:

This item is being sold by Yola Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA and CINOA. Yola Gray has dealt in fine art and antique furniture for over 45 years.

Ref. TP565 / 118024

Date of Manufacture

Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this Antique Mahogany Wall Clock to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1206600

About the Dealer

Yolanda Gray Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2010

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Yolanda Gray Antiques Profile Page

Trade Associations