Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Regulator wall clock

Symphonion No. 25R Regulator Wall Clock

Partially verified

The Symphonion No. 25R regulator wall clock, dating to approximately 1895, is an integrated timekeeping and musical device manufactured by Symphonion Musikwerke in Leipzig. The clock is housed in a walnut case measuring 51 inches in height. It incorporates a Lenzkirch pendulum movement that provides timekeeping and hour strikes on a spiral gong. The musical component features 84 teeth across two music combs in a sublime harmony arrangement, designed to play 11 3/4-inch diameter discs. The musical mechanism can be triggered either automatically on the hour or manually at the user's discretion. The object includes 28 discs. The auction description reports that the clock movement requires cleaning and adjustment, while the musical movement is in very good playing condition. The combined unit functions as both a wall-mounted timepiece and a disc-playing musical box.

Front view of the Symphonion No. 25R wall clock with the lower compartment door open to reveal the disc-playing mechanism.
Front view of the Symphonion No. 25R wall clock with the lower compartment door open to reveal the disc-playing mechanism. — Invaluable / Auction House. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Regulator wall clock
Maker / attribution
Symphonion Musikwerke
Reference
25R
Catalogue / lot identifier
339
Source-reported date
c. 1895
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 Construction

The wall-mounted clock is constructed from walnut, featuring an elaborate architectural design that integrates both the timekeeping dial and the musical playback mechanism. The upper portion of the case supports the clock face, which displays hours with Arabic numerals and features a central aperture. The exterior architecture includes decorative finials and carved wood elements consistent with the overall dimensions of 51 inches in height.

The lower section of the case serves as the housing for the Symphonion disc player. This area includes a hinged door that provides access to the internal mechanism and the disc storage. A winding crank is located on the right side of the case, facilitating the operation of the integrated musical components. The design allows for the visible rotation of the metal discs during operation, which are played via the internal comb system.

Evidence for this section
  • “walnut case, height 51 in.”
  • “Symphonion No. 25R Regulator Wall Clock”

Clock and Musical Movements

The timekeeping function is provided by a Lenzkirch pendulum movement, which includes an hour-strike feature utilizing a spiral gong. This movement operates independently but is linked to the musical section. The musical movement is configured with 84 teeth distributed across two combs in a sublime harmony arrangement. It is designed to accommodate discs with a diameter of 11 3/4 inches.

The interaction between the two movements allows the musical component to trigger at the hour or to be activated manually as desired. According to the auction report, the musical movement is in very good playing condition, while the clock movement requires professional intervention, specifically cleaning and adjustment to return to full functionality.

Evidence for this section
  • “Lenzkirch pendulum movement, hour strike on spiral gong”
  • “trip for the musical movement upon the hour or at will”
  • “musical movement in very good playing condition, with 28 discs.”

Condition and Included Components

The object is sold as a multi-functional device, with the auction description noting that the condition is currently partial working order. The musical mechanism is described as functional and in very good playing condition, supporting the playback of the included 28 discs. The clock movement is identified as needing service, specifically cleaning and technical adjustment to restore timekeeping accuracy.

The set includes 28 musical discs compatible with the 11 3/4-inch diameter requirement of the No. 25R model. All musical teeth are reported as present, with the two combs described as complete.

Evidence for this section
  • “partial working condition”
  • “clock movement in need of cleaning and adjustment”
  • “84 teeth in 2 music combs in sublime harmony arrangement (complete)”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific Lenzkirch calibre used in this integration?
  • Are the 28 discs original to the instrument or later replacements?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Symphonion No. 25R Regulator Wall Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerSymphonion Musikwerke“Symphonion Musikwerke, Leipzig.”
ModelNo. 25R“Symphonion No. 25R Regulator Wall Clock”
Datec. 1895“c. 1895”
Clock MovementLenzkirch“Lenzkirch pendulum movement”
Musical Comb Configuration84 teeth“84 teeth in 2 music combs”
Case MaterialWalnut“walnut case”
Height51 inches“height 51 in.”
Included Accessories28 discs“with 28 discs.”

Visible details

  • Walnut case features carved decorative details
  • Upper section contains the clock dial with Arabic numerals
  • Lower section houses the musical movement and disc storage
  • A winding crank extends from the right side of the case

Research qualifications

  • The exact operational status of the clock mechanism is unverified
  • Long-term structural integrity of the walnut casing is not documented

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

Consulted source

Symphonion No. 25R Regulator Wall Clock, c. 1895

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record a5deae535f

Terms in this record

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

Other regulator wall clock records