1960s Desk Clock
These 1960s desk clock pieces bring mid-century presence and reliable timekeeping to any surface.
1960s Desk Clock
A 1960s desk clock sits comfortably within the mid-century modern and traditional French design traditions, serving both a practical function and a decorative purpose on tables and mantelpieces. Buyers seeking these items encounter a variety of forms including carriage clocks, alarm clocks, and mantel clocks.
The objects span the 1950s and 1960s periods, incorporating styles from traditional French aesthetics to art deco influences. Most examples function as compact table clocks or heavy desk pieces suitable for study rooms and offices.
Materials and construction
Makers utilise brass, gilt brass, and gilt metal alongside glass and enamel to construct durable casings. Rhodium plating and nickel plating appear on select Swiss and German movements, providing a polished metallic finish.
Listings feature items from both the 1950 and 1960 periods, constructed in brass, glass, bakelite, and rhodium.
Judging quality in a 1960s desk clock
Quality differentiates through the weight and finish of the materials, separating solid brass and heavy glass housings from lighter plated alternatives. Finer specimens display crisp dial markings, complex jewelled movements, and sophisticated mechanical systems.
The reputation of the maker and the originality of the components strongly influence the character of each piece. Superior examples retain their original surface platings, whether gilt, rhodium, or nickel, along with well-preserved enamel details.
L Epee·Imhof·Smiths·Jaeger LeCoultre·Kienzle
The 1960s Desk Clock Glossary
- Carriage clock
- A portable timekeeper originally designed for travelling, featuring a rectangular glazed case and a carrying handle. These pieces often incorporate traditional French styling.
- Atmos clock
- A mechanical timepiece driven by changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure in the environment. This clever system winds itself without human intervention.
- Gilt brass
- Brass coated with a thin layer of gold or gold-coloured material to enhance visual warmth. It provides a durable and bright metallic sheen.
- Electro-mechanical
- A movement combining traditional mechanical gear trains with electrical components for winding or regulation. This technology marks an important transition period in horology.
1960s Desk Clock: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wind a mechanical desk clock?
Mechanical desk clocks require a key or manual rotation of the crown depending on the specific movement design. Care should be taken not to over-wind the mainspring.
Some models feature 8-day movements which need attention only weekly, while others require daily or 30-hour winding routines.
Where should I place a desk clock?
These clocks suit study desks, side tables, and mantelpieces where stable surfaces protect delicate movements from vibrations. Keeping them out of direct sunlight preserves enamel and gilt finishes.
Placement should also account for the need to view round dials clearly and access winding mechanisms easily.
What is an Atmos clock?
An Atmos clock is a hermetically sealed timepiece that responds to ambient temperature fluctuations to wind its mainspring. This mechanism allows the clock to run continuously without batteries or manual winding.
Invented in Switzerland, these heavy glass and brass pieces represent sophisticated mid-century engineering.
How do I clean a brass clock case?
Dust brass and gilt metal casings gently with a soft, dry cloth to prevent scratching the polished surfaces. Avoid chemical polishes which can strip thin gilt layers or damage enamel dials.
Glass panels benefit from standard glass cleaner applied sparingly to a cloth rather than sprayed directly onto the frame.