Antique and Vintage Clocks

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from you, the reader, concerning your clock, issues you might have had, challenges you face or a clock you would like me to profile or my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump even me, I consult within my clock circles for the best possible answer

LG writes,

“Dear Mr.Ron:

I came across this vintage mini clock by Sonoo-Ron in a leather pouch. I cannot find anything about it and thought this must be very unique and if interest to you?  If you are not interested, but know something about it, would love to know more!

Thank-you so very much!

Regards, LG”

My reply,

“I must confess that I have never heard of the name which I believe is Sonochron. What I found interesting is that the clocks were used by bomb-makers in Europe.

The electro-mechanical travel alarm clock from the 70s is from the Schwarzwälder Müller-Schlenker watch factory in Schwenningen.

The alarm clock is the following size: 70 mm length, 33 mm height and 25 mm depth.

The clockwork is mechanical, the alarm electrical. Due to its construction, it was very popular with a left-wing extremist terrorist group, the “Revolutionary Cells” (RZ). The possibility of separating the clockwork and buzzer means that the alarm clock can be converted into a time fuse for bombs. It was used in the RZ bombings. In 1985, the Federal Criminal Police Office had the remaining stock of Sonochron alarm clocks marked in order to track down future attackers. They could only be bought in selected shops that were equipped with video surveillance by the police. This action sparked a heated debate about state interference with personal rights, because all buyers were monitored. The alarm clock was a hot topic of conversation.

Source: https://www.deutsches-uhrenmuseum.de/en/museum/items-of-the-month/item-of-the-month-september-2015.html

Thank you, but my interest lies with wholly mechanical clocks.”

LG wrote back:

“Thank-you so very much!  🤗

Amazing information!👏

So very wonderful of you to provide. Wow!!

Warmest Regards, LG