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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · World desk clock

Kienzle Art Deco World Desk Clock

Partially verified

The piece features a central, light-colored dial printed with a stylized golden world map, which displays geographical locations alongside hour markers. The clock incorporates a separate 24-hour track at the bottom of the dial, designed for tracking different time zones. The primary time display is indicated by central gold-toned hands, while the circular case is mounted upon a rectangular, stepped brass stand. The overall construction utilizes a brass finish, with the dial surface protected by a circular glass crystal. The manufacturer's signature, "Kienzle," is printed on the upper portion of the dial. The dimensions of the piece are recorded as 11.25 inches in height, 10 inches in width, and 2.75 inches in depth. The object is reported to be in good condition with minor wear noted to the metal surfaces.

Front view of the Heinrich Moller for Kienzle world desk clock showing the world map dial, Roman numerals, and the 24-hour track.
Front view of the Heinrich Moller for Kienzle world desk clock showing the world map dial, Roman numerals, and the 24-hour track. — Public Sale Auction House (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · World desk clock
Maker / attribution
Heinrich Moller for Kienzle
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
128
Source-reported date
20th Century
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 Design

The clock is housed in a circular brass frame, which encases a light-toned dial. A prominent feature of the dial is the gilded world map illustration, which includes various international city names printed at specific coordinates to facilitate time zone orientation. The dial is punctuated by applied Roman numeral hour indices placed around the periphery.

A distinct 24-hour dial is integrated into the lower portion of the face, appearing as a curved track that aligns with the global map graphic. This secondary function allows for the tracking of time across various regions. The entire assembly rests upon a rectangular, stepped brass plinth, which provides a weighted support for the circular clock head.

Evidence for this section
  • “brass world map on the face”
  • “24-hour dial at the bottom to show different time zones”

Signatures and Attribution

The object is identified by the auction source as being designed by Heinrich Moller for the Kienzle firm. The dial face clearly exhibits the manufacturer's branding, identifying the maker as Kienzle.

The dial also features a marking stating the country of origin. This serves as the primary evidence linking the manufacturing process to German production standards of the period. No additional serial numbers or factory codes are visible in the provided photographic evidence to further refine this attribution or define the specific production year.

Evidence for this section
  • “Art Deco World Desk Clock by Heinrich Moller for Kienzle”
  • “Marked Kinzle, Made in Germany on the face.”

Condition and Dimensions

The auction description indicates that the overall state of the object is good. The seller notes that there is some minor wear to the metal surfaces, consistent with the age and use of a brass desk piece.

The scale of the clock is documented at 11.25 inches in height by 10 inches in width, with a depth of 2.75 inches. This size is representative of a decorative desk-sized timekeeper, intended to be placed on a flat surface. The photos show the brass finish and the alignment of the hands and dial graphics against the casing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Condition is good with some minor wear to metal.”
  • “Dimensions are 11.25 in h x 10 in w x 2.75 in d.”

Open research questions

  • What specific production period corresponds to this Kienzle world clock model?
  • Does archival evidence confirm the specific design role of Heinrich Moller in this Kienzle world clock series?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Kienzle Art Deco World Desk Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerKienzle“Kienzle”
DesignerHeinrich Moller“Heinrich Moller”
CountryGermany“Made in Germany”
Dimensions11.25 in h x 10 in w x 2.75 in d“11.25 in h x 10 in w x 2.75 in d”
ConditionGood with minor wear to metal“Condition is good with some minor wear to metal.”

Visible details

  • Applied metallic hour markers in Roman numerals
  • A 24-hour graduated sub-dial located at the 6 o'clock position
  • World map graphic with labelled cities such as Fairbanks, Chicago, and New York
  • Rectangular stepped pedestal base

Research qualifications

  • The specific date of production is not provided in the source
  • The source attributes the design to Heinrich Moller without further supporting evidence

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

Consulted source

Art Deco Brass World Clock by Heinrich Moller for Kienzle

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 865de306d1

Terms in this record

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