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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Wall clock

Smiths 'Sectric' Electric Clock

Partially verified

This electric wall clock is produced by the English manufacturer Smiths Clocks & Watches Ltd. Dated to approximately 1955, the piece is identified as a variation of the 'Durban' model, a design produced by the firm between 1937 and 1966. The clock features a square plastic case with curved, decorative corners, housing a round dial fitted with Arabic numerals and a red sweep seconds hand. Power is provided by an electric synchronous movement. Inscriptions confirm the manufacturer and origin, with markings on both the dial and the reverse side of the case indicating the product was made in Great Britain. The clock was acquired by the museum via a bequest in July 1970 and is catalogued under the reference number ST 26681.

Front view of the square plastic Smiths 'Sectric' wall clock, showing the dial and Arabic numerals.
Front view of the square plastic Smiths 'Sectric' wall clock, showing the dial and Arabic numerals. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Clock · Wall clock
Maker / attribution
Smiths Clocks & Watches Ltd
Reference
Durban model
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 26681
Source-reported date
circa 1955
Source-reported place
England

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 object is a wall clock housed in a square plastic case defined by its curved corners. The exterior design incorporates decorative molded ribbing at each corner. The circular dial is set within a metallic bezel and features clear Arabic numeral hour markers.

A central hand stack includes a distinct red sweep hand designed for tracking seconds. The dial surface carries brand and origin information integrated into the lower portion of the design, consistent with the firm's period manufacturing standards.

Evidence for this section
  • “Wall clock with square plastic case with curved corners.”
  • “Round dial with red sweep hand for seconds.”

Movement and Function

The clock is powered by an electric synchronous movement. This mechanism was a core component of the company's output following their transition into electric timekeeping.

The device relies on mains electricity, aligning with the operational requirements of the 'Sectric' line developed by the manufacturer starting in the mid-1930s.

Evidence for this section
  • “Electric synchronous movement.”
  • “Smiths English Clocks Ltd commenced production of synchronous electric clocks in 1931, and started using the trade name 'Sectric' from 1935.”

Signatures and Provenance

The clock is marked with the manufacturer's name on both the dial and the rear of the casing, ensuring consistent branding. The provenance is established by its entry into the collection as a bequest from Mrs. E. M. Askew in 1970.

The cataloging process assigned it the registration number ST 26681, classifying it under the 'Science & Measurement' area of the museum holdings.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial is marked 'Smiths', 'Sectric', and 'Made in Great Britain'. Back is marked 'Smiths Clocks & Watches Ltd. Made in Great Britain'.”
  • “Acquisition: Bequest from Mrs E. M. Askew, Jul 1970”
  • “Registration number: ST 26681”

Open research questions

  • What specific electrical voltage was this 'Durban' variation designed to operate on?
  • Are there extant design patents for the case design that could narrow the 'circa 1955' dating?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Smiths 'Sectric' Electric Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ManufacturerSmiths Clocks & Watches Ltd“Smiths Clocks & Watches Ltd”
Trade nameSectric“'Sectric'”
Model referenceDurban variation“Variation of the 'Durban' model”
Manufacturing datecirca 1955“circa 1955”
Dimensions16 cm x 6 cm x 16 cm“16 cm (Length), 6 cm (Width), 16 cm (Height)”
Movement typeElectric synchronous“Electric synchronous movement”
Dial InscriptionsSmiths, Sectric, Made in Great Britain“Dial is marked 'Smiths', 'Sectric', and 'Made in Great Britain'”
Case InscriptionsSmiths Clocks & Watches Ltd. Made in Great Britain“Back is marked 'Smiths Clocks & Watches Ltd. Made in Great Britain'”

Visible details

  • Square plastic case with curved, ribbed corner detailing
  • Round dial with Arabic numerals 1 through 12
  • Includes a red sweep second hand
  • Electric synchronous movement as cited in museum documentation

Research qualifications

  • The specific production date is only estimated as circa 1955
  • The link to the 'Durban' model series is based on museum classification

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

Consulted source

Electric Clock - Smiths Clocks & Watches, 'Sectric', circa 1955

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record f10e872540

Terms in this record

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

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