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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Desk clock

Imhof World Time Desk Clock

Partially verified

This 1960s desk clock by Imhof is an 8-day going timepiece designed with world-time functionality. The dial displays a brushed gilt annular chapter ring with black dart indexes and Roman quarter-hour numerals. The world-time complication consists of a rotating 24-hour silvered disc and an inner rotating gilt and silver world planisphere, which is divided into sectors representing 24 countries and cities. Internally, the clock is powered by a rhodium-plated movement with 15 jewels, featuring a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance, a self-compensating flat balance spring, and a rack regulator. The dial and movement are both signed by the maker, Imhof.

Front view of the Imhof world time desk clock showing the gilt brass case, the world map, and the 24-hour rotating disc with black hands.
Front view of the Imhof world time desk clock showing the gilt brass case, the world map, and the 24-hour rotating disc with black hands. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Clock · Desk clock
Maker / attribution
Imhof
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
36
Source-reported date
1960s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1612446

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 Design

The Imhof world time desk clock features a circular, brushed gilt brass case. A defining feature of the exterior is the thick, domed crystal which, beyond its protective function, serves to create a distinct lens effect over the dial elements.

The dial assembly is comprised of multiple rotating components. A brushed gilt annular ring serves as the primary chapter ring, featuring painted black dart indexes and Roman numerals at the quarter-hour intervals. Within this, a rotating silvered disc provides the 24-hour time indication. An inner rotating world planisphere, executed in gilt and silver tones, is divided into sectors corresponding to 24 different world countries and cities. The display is completed with gilt dauphine-style hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circular, brushed gilt bras with a thick domed crystal creating a lens effect.”
  • “Brushed gilt annular chapter ring with painted black dart indexes and Roman quarter-hour numerals, rotating silvered disc for the 24-hours, inner rotating gilt and silver world planisphere divided into sectors and with the names of 24 world countries and cities.”

Movement and Mechanics

The timekeeping is provided by a rhodium-plated mechanical movement featuring 15 jewels. The watch operates on an 8-day going movement. The regulation of the time is managed via a rack regulator.

The oscillation is controlled by a monometallic balance paired with a self-compensating flat balance spring. The movement utilizes a straight-line lever escapement for energy transfer. The movement is signed, consistent with the signature found on the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rhodium-plated, 15 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating fl at balance spring, rack regulator.”
  • “Dial and movement signed.”

Condition and Attribution

The clock is dated to the 1960s and is attributed to the Swiss maker Imhof. It bears the serial number 1612446. The dimensions are specified as 8 cm in diameter.

The auction house assigns the object a grading of A. The hands are noted as being original to the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Imhof, Swiss, No. 1612446. Made in the 1960's.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “HANDS Original”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific patent or mechanism design behind the inner rotating world planisphere?
  • Were there color variations of this model produced by Imhof in the same period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Imhof World Time Desk Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Serial number1612446“No. 1612446”
Date1960s“Made in the 1960's”
MovementRhodium-plated, 15 jewels“Rhodium-plated, 15 jewels”
Case diameter8 cm“Diam. 8 cm.”
EscapementStraight-line lever“straight-line lever escapement”
DialBrushed gilt annular chapter ring“Brushed gilt annular chapter ring with painted black dart indexes and Roman quarter-hour numerals”

Visible details

  • The world planisphere is centered on the North Pole
  • The 24-hour disc is positioned between the chapter ring and the world map
  • The brass case exhibits evidence of wear on the lower perimeter

Research qualifications

  • The auction house recommends an overhaul for the movement
  • The exact year of manufacture within the 1960s decade is not specified

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

Consulted source

IMHOF WORLD TIME DESK CLOCK Imhof, Swiss, No. 1612446. Made in the 1960's. Fine and rare, 8-day going, world-time desk clock. To be sold without reserve

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record f5ba6d894e

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

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