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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Alarm clock

Junghans Dice Throwers Alarm Clock

Partially verified

This alarm clock, featuring a mechanical dice-throwing complication, was manufactured by Junghans in Wurttemberg, Germany. Designed for table or shelf use, the clock features a circular nickel-plated case with a diameter of five inches. The dial depicts a graphic scene of two figures wearing feathered hats and ruffs, seated at a table. A mechanical arm integral to the clock assembly holds a dice-throwing cup and operates in conjunction with the movement. The clock is powered by separate spring mechanisms, with the dice-throwing feature driven by its own dedicated spring and mechanism. This object was acquired by the museum in 1933 via a long-term loan from John Askew. Records indicate the clock was restored in Melbourne by watchmaker James Searle prior to 1933, following the donor's purchase of the piece in a state of poor condition.

Front view of the Junghans alarm clock depicting two figures with dice-throwing mechanism.
Front view of the Junghans alarm clock depicting two figures with dice-throwing mechanism. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Clock · Alarm clock
Maker / attribution
Junghans
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 19418
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Germany

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 clock is housed in a round, nickel-plated case measuring five inches in diameter. The dial design features a central time display with an outer minute track and black numerals. Occupying the majority of the dial is an illustration showing two seated figures wearing ruffs and feathered hats.

Integral to the animation on the dial face, an arm holding a dice-throwing cup is linked to the clock's internal movement. This mechanical feature provides the primary visual interest of the clock, animating the dice-throwing scene during operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Round nickel plated case, 5 inches in diameter.”
  • “The dial shows a scene of dice throwers wearing feathered hats and ruffs, seated at a table. An arm holding a dice throwing cup moves with the clock hands.”

Movement and Mechanism

The movement is spring-wound and employs a pin pallet escapement. The construction incorporates a distinct mechanism for the dice-throwing function, which operates on its own dedicated spring independent of the primary timekeeping and alarm functions.

The brass movement plate is marked with the manufacturer's name, locality, and a star-shaped logo. Multiple winding arbors are present on the movement plate, corresponding to the clock’s different functional requirements including the time, alarm, and dice animation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Separate spring and mechanism operates the dice throwing, which is seen on dial side.”
  • “Spring wound; pin palette.”

History and Restoration

The clock was acquired as a long-term loan by the museum in May 1933 from Mr. John Askew. The accession documentation identifies the maker as Junghans, based in Wurttemberg, Germany.

Historical records from the donor indicate that the clock was in poor condition at the time of purchase. It was subsequently restored in Melbourne, Australia, by watchmaker James Searle prior to the 1933 acquisition.

Evidence for this section
  • “Acquisition: Long-term Loan from Mr John Askew, 05 May 1933”
  • “It was originally in poor condition when purchased by the donor John Askew. It was put back in order by watchmaker James Searle in Melbourne.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production date range for this model of Junghans dice-throwing alarm clock?
  • Does the dice mechanism trigger at set intervals or is it linked directly to the movement gear train?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Junghans Dice Throwers Alarm Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJunghans“Manufacturer, name: Junghans”
OriginWurttemberg, Germany“locality: Wurttemberg, country: Germany”
Registration NumberST 19418“Registration number: ST 19418”
Case Diameter5 inches“5 inches in diameter”
EscapementPin pallet“pin palette”
RestorationRepaired in Melbourne by James Searle“It was put back in order by watchmaker James Searle in Melbourne.”
Acquisition Date05 May 1933“Acquisition: Long-term Loan from Mr John Askew, 05 May 1933”

Visible details

  • Dial illustrates two figures in historical dress playing dice at a table
  • Five-inch diameter nickel-plated metal case

Research qualifications

  • Original condition and completeness of internal mechanisms not verified
  • Precise date of manufacture remains unstated in source materials

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

Consulted source

Alarm Clock - Dice Throwers, Junghans, Germany

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record c56bd12bcd

Terms in this record

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

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