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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Lighter clock

Dunhill Sterling Silver Lighter Clock

Partially verified

This object is a mechanical lighter clock produced by the brand Dunhill. It consists of a table lighter crafted from sterling silver, with an integrated small clock embedded within its body. The exterior of the lighter features longitudinal grooves and engraving. A mechanical clock is set into the center of the body, which is accessible via a hinged cover. The clock face is light-colored, specifically white or cream, and displays Arabic numerals, a railway minute track, and thin, classic-style hands. The dial is signed with the name Dunhill and the word Swiss, indicating that the movement was manufactured in Switzerland. The lower edge of the body includes a small dial or wheel for adjusting or winding the timepiece. As a vintage item, the silver body exhibits natural patina consistent with age. Precise details regarding the caliber of the internal movement or the specific production date are not documented.

Front view of the Dunhill sterling silver lighter clock showing the integrated dial and fluted casing.
Front view of the Dunhill sterling silver lighter clock showing the integrated dial and fluted casing. — Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Lighter clock
Maker / attribution
Dunhill
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Early 20th Century (Art Deco period)
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Design and Case Construction

The lighter clock is housed within a sterling silver body characterized by its longitudinal grooves and engraved decorative patterns. The design incorporates a central section where the small clock is mounted, protected by a hinged cover that allows for access to the rear of the clock or the internal housing. This arrangement serves to integrate both the ignition mechanism of the lighter and the timepiece into a single unit.

The aesthetic follows a geometric form, with the silver surface showing signs of oxidation or patina due to age. The physical dimensions and the layout reflect an intended use as a desk or table accessory, combining utility with decorative metalwork. The integration of the clock into the lighter body necessitated specific engineering considerations for the placement of the ignition system and the timekeeping mechanism within a compact frame.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه دستگاه تماماً از نقره استرلینگ ساخته شده و کناره‌ها و قاب آن با خطوط ظریف و نقوش شیاردار تزیین شده است”
  • “دارای دریچه بازشو لولایی است که با کنار رفتن آن، دسترسی به قاب پشتی ساعت یا محفظه داخلی فراهم می‌شود”

Dial and Movement

The clock features a cream or white-colored dial positioned within the central portion of the lighter body. The dial is marked with prominent Arabic numerals and features a railway-style minute track around the periphery. The time is indicated by thin, classic-style hands. The presence of the word 'Swiss' at the bottom of the dial identifies the origin of the movement.

The movement itself is integrated into the lighter assembly. A wheel or crown located at the base of the clock assembly provides the interface for winding or setting the time. Technical details regarding the movement caliber or specific mechanical construction are not provided in the source documentation, which notes that such information is unrecorded.

Evidence for this section
  • “صفحه کوچک ساعت سفید یا کرم‌رنگ با حاشیه راه‌آهنی دقیقه، ارقام عربی درشت و عقربه‌های باریک کلاسیک تزیین شده”
  • “عبارت Swiss در پایین صفحه نشان‌دهنده ساخت موتور در سوئیس است”
  • “در لبه پایینی بدنه نیز شیار دسترسی به پیچ کوک یا تنظیم ساعت مشاهده می‌شود”

Provenance and Condition

The piece is categorized as a vintage item. The auction description notes that the exterior surface possesses a natural patina resulting from the passage of time, accompanied by visible signs of use. No statements are made regarding the functionality or the servicing history of either the internal clock movement or the lighter's ignition system.

The source emphasizes that these details are documented based on the information and images provided by the seller.

Evidence for this section
  • “وضعیت این قطعه به عنوان یک یافته وینتیج معرفی شده و بدنه نقره‌ای آن دارای پتینه ناشی از گذر زمان و خطوط طبیعی اصالت است”
  • “وضعیت سرویس فنی، نوع سیستم سوخت‌رسانی فندک و جزئیات دقیق کارکرد ساعت توسط فروشنده تصریح نشده است”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber used in this Dunhill lighter clock?
  • Can the production year be narrowed down based on the style of the Dunhill signature and hallmarks on the sterling silver body?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Dunhill Sterling Silver Lighter Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDunhill“توسط برند نام‌آشنای Dunhill خلق شده است”
MaterialSterling Silver“بدنه دستگاه تماماً از نقره استرلینگ ساخته شده”
Dial InscriptionsDunhill and Swiss“عبارت Swiss در پایین صفحه نشان‌دهنده ساخت موتور در سوئیس است”
FeaturesArabic numerals“ارقام عربی درشت و عقربه‌های باریک کلاسیک تزیین شده”
OriginSwitzerland“عبارت Swiss در پایین صفحه نشان‌دهنده ساخت موتور در سوئیس است”
ConstructionHinged access“دارای دریچه بازشو لولایی است که با کنار رفتن آن، دسترسی به قاب پشتی ساعت یا محفظه داخلی فراهم می‌شود”
DecorationGrooved patterns“کناره‌ها و قاب آن با خطوط ظریف و نقوش شیاردار تزیین شده است”

Visible details

  • Integrated analog clock face with Arabic numerals
  • Sterling silver body with vertical fluting
  • Hinged access cover for clock mechanism
  • Winding or setting crown located at the base of the clock housing

Research qualifications

  • The operational status of the lighter mechanism is not specified
  • The mechanical condition and maintenance history of the movement are unconfirmed

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.