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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Novelty wall clock

Earnest Henry Railway Chronometer Brass Jumbo Wall Clock

Partially verified

This novelty wall clock or jumbo pocket watch is styled under the dial inscription Railway Chronometer and attributed by the source to Earnest Henry, Cape Town, dating to the 1970s. The case, top crown, and ring mount are constructed from brass. The white dial is printed with black Roman numeral hour markers, maker inscriptions, black central hands, and a contrasting red seconds hand. The source reports that the piece is equipped with an internal quartz movement, measuring 18 cm in overall height and 12.5 cm in case diameter.

Three-quarter profile of the Earnest Henry brass novelty pocket-watch style wall clock
Three-quarter profile of the Earnest Henry brass novelty pocket-watch style wall clock — Retro-Design / Chairish. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.chairish.com
Category
Clock · Novelty wall clock
Maker / attribution
Earnest Henry
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
11123503
Source-reported date
1970s
Country
South Africa

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

Object Identity and Construction

This item is described as a novelty jumbo pocket watch or small wall clock. The external structure, including the case, crown, and ring mount, is constructed from brass.

The bezel features a decorative milled or coin-edge band. The recorded dimensions are 18 cm in height, 12.5 cm in case diameter, and 5 cm in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “Midcentury novelty Jumbo Pocket Watch or small Wall Clock.”
  • “The case, crown and ring/crown guard is fashioned from brass.”
  • “Measurements: H/L: 18 cm, Diameter case: 12.5 cm, Dept: 5 cm.”

Dial and Visual Features

The white dial displays black Roman numeral hour markers arranged around an outer track. The face is inscribed with the text 'Railway Chronometer' and the manufacturer name 'Earnest Henry - Cape Town'.

Timekeeping is indicated by central hour and minute hands, accompanied by a seconds hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial with Roman numerals and the manufacturer name: Earnest Henry - Cape Town.”
  • “It is called Railway Chronometer.”

Mechanism and Provenance

The clock is reported by the source to house a quartz movement that is in working order, though this mechanism is not visible in the provided imagery. The attribution of the piece to the 1970s and to a South African origin is provided by the seller's listing description.

There is no additional documentation provided regarding the item's history or production records.

Evidence for this section
  • “It has a quartz movement and is in working order.”
  • “Period 1970s”
  • “Country of Origin South Africa”

Open research questions

  • Is there historical evidence of an entity named 'Earnest Henry' in Cape Town producing clocks?
  • Does the 'Railway Chronometer' branding on this specific novelty item correspond to any known design series?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Earnest Henry Railway Chronometer Brass Jumbo Wall Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Model NameRailway Chronometer“It is called Railway Chronometer.”
MakerEarnest Henry - Cape Town“Dial with Roman numerals and the manufacturer name: Earnest Henry - Cape Town.”
Case MaterialBrass“The case, crown and ring/crown guard is fashioned from brass.”
MovementQuartz“It has a quartz movement and is in working order.”
DimensionsH/L: 18 cm, Diameter case: 12.5 cm, Dept: 5 cm“Measurements: H/L: 18 cm, Diameter case: 12.5 cm, Dept: 5 cm.”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track
  • Dial inscriptions reading 'RAILWAY CHRONOMETER' and 'Earnest Henry Cape Town'
  • Oversized pocket-watch style top crown and suspension bow fashioned from brass
  • Milled or coin-edge decorative band around the brass bezel
  • Central black hour and minute hands accompanied by a bright red seconds hand

Research qualifications

  • Internal quartz movement is source-reported and not visible in the photograph
  • South African origin and 1970s dating rely entirely on seller listing descriptions

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

Consulted source

Railway Chronometer Brass Jumbo Wall Clock, 1970s | Chairish

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record a158daff92

Terms in this record

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