Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Desk clock

Gübelin World Time Globe Desk Clock

Partially verified

This Gübelin world-time desk clock, dated circa 1960, features an eight-day going movement housed within a globe construction. The object is composed of a gilt-brass axis that supports a Perspex globe, which is decorated with an outline map of the world in gilt. Encircling the equator is a gilt-brass band engraved with the names of 29 world cities, complemented by an outer Perspex ring featuring blue 24-hour numerals. The clock stands on a domed aquamarine lacquered base adorned with gilt-brass stars. Internally, a brushed gilt-brass annular chapter ring displays radial Roman numerals, with time indicated by blue baton hands. The rhodium-plated movement, measuring 50 mm, utilizes a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance, a blued steel balance spring, and an index regulator. The piece measures 21.5 x 14 cm and is accompanied by its original fitted box.

Gübelin World Time Globe Desk Clock, showing the globe, city ring, 24-hour ring, and star-adorned base.
Gübelin World Time Globe Desk Clock, showing the globe, city ring, 24-hour ring, and star-adorned base. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Clock · Desk clock
Maker / attribution
Gübelin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
412
Source-reported date
circa 1960
Source-reported place
Not established

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 Construction

The clock is designed as a desk-mounted globe supported by a central gilt-brass axis. The structure features a transparent Perspex globe bearing an outline of the world map finished in gilt. Surrounding the center of the globe is a horizontal gilt-brass band, which is engraved with the names of 29 international cities, facilitating the world-time function.

Below the globe, a domed base finished in aquamarine lacquer provides stability. This base is decorated with applied gilt-brass stars, contributing to the visual theme. An outer Perspex ring integrated into the design carries blue 24-hour numerals, which work in conjunction with the city band to track time across different zones. The total dimensions of the clock are 21.5 x 14 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt-brass axis supporting the Perspex globe painted in gilt with an outline map of the world”
  • “around the equator a gilt brass band engraved with the names of 29 world cities”
  • “domed aquamarine lacquered base applied with gilt-brass stars”

Dial and Timekeeping

The time display consists of a brushed gilt-brass annular chapter ring mounted internally within the Perspex globe. This ring features radial Roman numerals to mark the hours. Time is indicated by blue baton-style hands. The clock is powered by an eight-day going movement, which requires winding to maintain operation over the week.

The movement is rhodium plated and measures 50 mm in diameter. It incorporates a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance, and a blued steel balance spring. An index regulator is provided for timing adjustments.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brushed gilt-brass annular chapter ring with radial Roman numerals, mounted within the globe. Blue baton hands.”
  • “M. 50 mm., rhodium plated, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, blued steel balance spring, index regulator.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Provenance and Condition

The clock is accompanied by its original fitted box, which is included in the lot. The case is signed by the manufacturer.

Regarding the condition, the auction description provides a grading system. The case is graded as '3 Good', while the dial is graded as '3-01 Good'. The hands are stated to be original.

Evidence for this section
  • “Accompanied by the original fitted box.”
  • “According to the 1958 Gübelin catalogue, this clock retailed for US$ 680.”
  • “Case signed.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the 22 inch measurement notation appearing on the original catalog sheet?
  • Which specific world cities are represented on the 29-city band?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gübelin World Time Globe Desk Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGübelin“Gübelin”
Datecirca 1960“Made circa 1960”
Dimensions21.5 x 14 cm“Dim. 21.5 x 14 cm”
Movement size50 mm“50 mm., rhodium plated”
Base descriptionDomed aquamarine lacquered base“domed aquamarine lacquered base applied with gilt-brass stars”
World-time cities29“engraved with the names of 29 world cities”

Visible details

  • Perspex globe features painted gilt world map
  • Base is finished in aquamarine lacquer with applied stars
  • 24-hour ring is made of clear Perspex with blue numerals
  • Annular chapter ring has radial Roman numerals

Research qualifications

  • Condition report suggests overhaul is recommended
  • Exact date of manufacture is approximate

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

Consulted source

GÜBELIN WORLD TIME GLOBE DESK CLOCK Gübelin. Made circa 1960. Fine and rare, gilt-brass, lacquered and Perspex, world-time, 8-day going desk clock. Accompanied by the original fitted box.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 4057b00bb2

Terms in this record

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

Other desk clock records