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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Electric wall clock

Electric wall clock by Synchronous Electric Clocks Ltd.

Partially verified

This electric wall clock was manufactured by Synchronous Electric Clocks Ltd. in Cricklewood, London, circa 1938. The firm was an early trading name of Smiths Electric Clocks Ltd. Constructed with a metal case and hands, the clock features a synchronous electric movement. It is designed with a circular dial displaying standard hour numerals from 1 to 12, complemented by five-minute increments. The dial bears the branding "SMITHS SECTRIC" and "MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN." The internal movement is inscribed with voltage and wattage specifications, as well as three patent numbers. The clock was utilized at the Newmarket Saleyards in Melbourne, Australia, specifically within the Melbourne City Council office, where it monitored time until the saleyards closed in 1987. It served in an environment where drovers reconciled stock passes for calculating yard dues and charges before livestock proceeded through the delivery outlets at the saleyards.

Front view of the Synchronous Electric Clocks Ltd. wall clock, showing the dial, hands, and branding.
Front view of the Synchronous Electric Clocks Ltd. wall clock, showing the dial, hands, and branding. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Clock · Electric wall clock
Maker / attribution
Synchronous Electric Clocks Ltd.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
SH 900080
Source-reported date
circa 1938
Source-reported place
England

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

Case and Dial

The wall clock consists of a metal housing surrounding a circular dial face. The dial presents a clear, high-contrast layout, featuring bold black Arabic numerals marking each hour from 1 to 12. A secondary scale is printed around the outer perimeter of the dial, indicating five-minute intervals.

The branding is centrally applied to the dial, reading "SMITHS SECTRIC" below the twelve o'clock position. At the bottom of the dial, the origin of manufacture is denoted by the text "MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN." The time is displayed via a pair of dark metal hands that extend towards the periphery of the dial.

The physical construction is defined by a significant outside diameter of approximately 61 cm, suggesting it was intended for visibility in large working environments such as the administrative office where it was documented to reside.

Evidence for this section
  • “Metal wall clock with metal hands, marked with numbers 1-12 and 5 space increments between.”
  • “Dial marked 'SMITHS/SECTRIC/MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN'.”
  • “dimensions: 12 cm (Height), 61 cm (Outside Diameter), comments: Measurement From Conservation.”

Movement and Electrical Specification

This type of motor relies on the frequency of the electrical power supply to maintain accurate timekeeping, provided the connection remains constant.

Technical markings found on the internal movement mechanism provide specific electrical requirements and historical context. The movement is rated for a voltage range of 200-250V and a power consumption of 50W. Furthermore, the unit is stamped with three distinct patent numbers, 366710, 369438, and 374713, which are linked to its technical design and electrical construction.

Evidence for this section
  • “Electric synchronous movement.”
  • “Marked on movement '200-250V, 50W, Patent Numbers 366710, 369438, 374713'.”

Provenance and Operational Context

This timepiece has a documented history of use at the Newmarket Saleyards in Melbourne, Australia. It was installed in the Melbourne City Council office, a central point of activity where drovers and agents managed the logistics of livestock sales. The clock was in use from approximately 1938 until the facility ceased operations in 1987.

The office context required precise timekeeping for the reconciliation of stock passes. Drovers were required to hand in agent passes in exchange for council passes, and numbers had to be verified against counts taken at key locations such as the Epsom Road underpass or the Main Lane. These operations were critical for calculating the yard dues and charges for which agents were liable.

Evidence for this section
  • “Used at Newmarket Saleyards, Melbourne, until its closure in1987.”
  • “Located in the Melbourne City Council office.”
  • “The numbers on the pass were used to calculate the yard dues and charges which had to be paid by the agents.”

Open research questions

  • What specific functions or improvements are associated with the three patent numbers cited on the movement?
  • Does the serial information or specific case construction allow for a more precise manufacturing date than the circa 1938 estimate?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Electric wall clock by Synchronous Electric Clocks Ltd.
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ManufacturerSynchronous Electric Clocks Ltd.“Manufacturer, name: Synchronous Electric Clocks Ltd., date: circa 1938, country: England”
Registration NumberSH 900080“Registration number: SH 900080”
Dial InscriptionSMITHS SECTRIC MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN“Dial marked 'SMITHS/SECTRIC/MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN'”
Movement Inscription200-250V, 50W, Patent Numbers 366710, 369438, 374713“Marked on movement '200-250V, 50W, Patent Numbers 366710, 369438, 374713'”
Used AtNewmarket Saleyards“Used at Newmarket Saleyards, Melbourne, until its closure in1987.”
Dial Diameter61 cm“61 cm (Outside Diameter)”

Visible details

  • Round metal casing
  • Black hour and minute hands
  • Numerals 1 through 12 on dial
  • Five-minute increments on dial track

Research qualifications

  • The exact date of manufacture is estimated as circa 1938 by the source
  • The operational state of the synchronous motor is not documented

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

Consulted source

Electric Clock - Synchronous Electric Clocks, Newmarket Saleyards, Newmarket, circa 1938-1987

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 5ea1362ef0

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