Kienzle World Time Desk Clock – A Mid-Century Masterpiece

Some clocks are purchased because they are rare, some because they are old, and some simply because they appeal to the eye. Every once in a while, however, a clock comes along that checks all three boxes. This Kienzle World Time desk clock is one of those clocks. This article will explore the clock’s designer, its various versions, who the target audience was, and the condition of this particular clock.

Designer Heinrich Moeller

With its heavy brass case, elegant world time dial, and unmistakable mid-century design, it is a clock that immediately draws attention and invites a closer look.This clock is one of many clocks conceived by renowned German designer Heinrich Moeller.

Moeller, who was originally trained as a cabinet maker, began working with the German clock manufacturer Kienzle in 1931 and remained their chief designer until about 1970. During that time he designed a wide range of clocks that blended Art Deco styling with later Mid-Century Modern design influences.

Many of his clocks are now quite collectible and are appreciated as much for their design as for their timekeeping.

The Kienzle company itself has a long history dating back to 1822 in Schwenningen, Germany, where it began as a traditional Black Forest clock workshop before growing into one of Germany’s largest clock manufacturers.

By the 20th century, Kienzle was producing a wide variety of clocks, including automobile clocks, alarm clocks, wall clocks, and decorative desk clocks such as this one.

Different Versions but the same basic design

This particular clock likely dates from the period between 1950 and 1960, judging from the many examples that appear for sale online.

I have seen this style occasionally advertised as a 1960s clock, but based on other examples and movement styles I am fairly confident that this one is from around 1950, give or take a year. This earlier mechanical version appears to be the most desirable of the series.

Later versions were fitted with quartz and electro-mechanical movements and generally bring lower prices, suggesting collectors prefer the earlier mechanical models.

The clock has a very substantial weight and measures 13 ¾ inches high, 10 inches wide, and 2 ½ inches deep. The brass case has a wonderful presence and really reflects the quality of mid-century German manufacturing.

The world time dial is particularly attractive and gives the clock a very distinctive look compared to typical desk clocks of the period.

Who was it for?

A clock like this was not an average household clock. In the 1950s, a heavy brass world time desk clock would have been considered a prestige office or executive desk clock. It was the kind of clock you would give as a retirement gift, corporate gift, or presentation piece.

The world time feature especially suggests someone involved in international business or travel, or at least someone who wanted to project that image.

In the post-war period, international trade and travel were expanding rapidly, and a world time clock symbolized modern business and global connections.

Condition of the clock

This clock is in excellent condition with minimal wear and tarnish. In fact, when you look at the front and side views, you can really appreciate the pristine condition of this clock.

The case was quite grimy, as one might expect, but a little careful polishing brought the finish back very nicely.

Quite often small parts are missing on clocks such as this—for example, the time adjustment knob or the cover for the speed control needle—but in this case everything is completely intact. That is always a pleasant surprise. The clock is also in very good working order and will run for a full eight days on a wind.

Will I service it? I am not sure. According to comments on the NAWCC message board, some members have not had much luck working on these movements.

Given that this clock appears to have had minimal wear and tear, it may not have seen a great deal of use over the years, so it might be wise to leave well enough alone for now.

A work of excellence

I am very pleased with this acquisition. The clock is certainly a singular work of elegance, magnificence, and style, and it stands out in any room.

Some clocks are interesting, some are useful, and some are collectible—but every once in a while, you come across a clock that is also a piece of industrial art. In my opinion, this Kienzle World desk clock clearly falls into that category.

Although the original Kienzle clock manufacturing company largely disappeared in the 1990s, the Kienzle name still exists today as a watch brand, producing mainly wristwatches rather than mechanical clocks. The brand has been revived, but the company is only a shadow of what it once was.

In the end, this is what clock collecting is all about—finding interesting pieces, learning their history, and giving them a place where they can be appreciated once again. This Kienzle World desk clock has certainly found a good home.

Related Articles

1930 Kienzle box clock, a heartfelt gift: Occasionally, I have clocks gifted to me, as in the case of this lovely Art Deco-style German round-top wall clock made by Kienzle. The gift was greatly appreciated, although there was a small condition attached, which I explained in the article.

Kienzle time and strike movement: When I got the clock, only one strike hammer functioned, but with all hammers repositioned all 4 strike hammers are doing their job and producing a melodic bim-bam strike. This article describes the steps in servicing the movement of this wall clock.

Dating a Kienzle wall clock: The first Kienzle World Time clock was presented to Adolf Hitler on his 50th birthday in 1939 by the government of Würthemberg. Read this article to find out more about the curious introduction of this clock model by Kienzle.

eBay listing example; Prices vary according to condition. Older versions are more desirable. If the link has expired, search Kienzle World Time clock on eBay, and I am sure you will see other examples.