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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Wall clock

Rolex Pan Am dealer wall clock

Partially verified

This wall clock, attributed to the 1960s or 1970s, was commissioned for dealer use to promote the partnership between Rolex and Pan Am. The timepiece is characterized by a large-scale design measuring 20.62 inches in diameter, featuring a white dial with black markers, the Rolex coronet, and the Pan Am globe logo. It incorporates a 'Mercedes' hour hand and a thin blue second hand. The construction includes a metal frame and a plastic or fiberglass body, housing an electric motor for operation. The object serves as a promotional item linked to the development of the Rolex GMT-Master watch, intended for use in airline or dealer environments. The manufacturer is cited as Hanover Manufacturing, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio. As an auction-sourced object, its specific attribution and production status are subject to independent verification beyond the provided records.

Rolex Pan Am dealer wall clock with white dial, black Mercedes hands, and Pan Am globe logo.
Rolex Pan Am dealer wall clock with white dial, black Mercedes hands, and Pan Am globe logo. — Ace Of Estates / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Wall clock
Maker / attribution
Hanover Manufacturing, Inc.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
206825077
Source-reported date
Circa 1960s-1970s
Source-reported place
United States

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

Dial and Aesthetics

The dial is finished in a stark white, designed for visibility and minimalist branding. It features black printed markers at every hour position, with smaller strokes marking the intervening minutes. The upper portion of the dial displays the Rolex coronet and the text 'ROLEX CHRONOMETER'.

The lower section of the dial prominently displays the Pan Am globe logo. The hands include a thick black 'Mercedes' hour hand and a matching minute hand, accompanied by a slender, straight blue second hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “The stark white dial, punctuated by bold black markers and the iconic Rolex coronet, is immediately recognizable.”
  • “The signature 'Mercedes' hour hand, a hallmark of Rolex sports models, further solidifies the connection to the brand's adventurous spirit.”

Construction and Manufacture

According to the source, the clock was produced by Hanover Manufacturing, Inc., located in Columbus, Ohio. The construction utilizes a metal frame surrounding a body made of plastic or fiberglass, which provides the structure for the large dial.

The clock is powered by an internal electric motor. With a diameter of 20.62 inches, the piece is designed for prominent display as a dealer promotional item.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rolex commissioned a limited number of these large-scale wall clocks from Hanover Manufacturing, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio.”
  • “Metal Frame, Plastic/Fiberglass Body, Electric Motor”

Context and Origin

The commission of these clocks is linked to the historical partnership between Rolex and Pan Am, which began in the 1950s. This collaboration was centered on the production of the Rolex GMT-Master, a watch created to assist pilots during the era of intercontinental jet travel.

These wall clocks served as promotional items to celebrate the relationship between the two organizations. They were distributed for use by dealers or airlines, acting as a functional extension of the brand identity established by the GMT-Master model. The clocks date from approximately the 1960s to the 1970s.

Evidence for this section
  • “In the 1950s, Pan Am approached Rolex with a specific need: a watch that could simultaneously display two time zones”
  • “To celebrate and promote this relationship, Rolex commissioned a limited number of these large-scale wall clocks”

Open research questions

  • Are there known serial number sequences for Hanover-manufactured Rolex promotional clocks?
  • What are the specific electrical specifications for the motor unit used in this model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Pan Am dealer wall clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHanover Manufacturing, Inc.“Hanover Manufacturing, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio”
MaterialMetal Frame, Plastic/Fiberglass Body, Electric Motor“Metal Frame, Plastic/Fiberglass Body, Electric Motor”
Diameter20.62 inches“20.62 inches”
DateCirca 1960s-1970s“Circa 1960s-1970s”
PurposeDealer wall clock“Rolex commissioned a limited number of these large-scale wall clocks”

Visible details

  • White dial with black stick markers and 'ROLEX CHRONOMETER' text
  • Black 'Mercedes' hour and minute hands
  • Blue sweep second hand
  • Pan Am globe logo at the bottom half of the dial

Research qualifications

  • Independent type authentication remains research required
  • Classification is not fully established

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

Consulted source

Rolex Pan Am dealer wall clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 9c104e061f

Terms in this record

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

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