Blue and Gold Alarm Clock
Shared by Western Bay Museum
On the alarm clock, the term ‘Piano Forte’ refers to the mechanism inside the clock, playing a musical melody rather than a traditional bell. Alarm clocks like this were popular during the 1950s and 60s, most famously produced by the Kienzle company. The inscription of ‘silent’ on the clock’s face most likely refers to the silent second hand movement to eliminate the ticking sound, which may be disruptive to some, especially in a bedroom. Kienzle is a prominent German clock maker, the oldest German watch brand. It was founded in 1822 by Johannes Schlenker in Schwenning, Germany. Jakob Kienzle joined the family and business in 1883, before gaining sole ownership in 1897. He then succeeded in changing production forever through the mass-production of individual components and assembling them, leading to a massive expansion. In the 1920s, Kienzle added a pocketwatch and wristwatch line, expanding to the Italian market. After WW2, the company continued to thrive, but faced many challenges in the 1970s and 80s, during the Quartz Crisis. Competition was fierce and Kienzle declared bankruptcy in 1996 before being taken over by the Highway Holdings Group in 1997. In the 2002, Kienzle regained German ownership as Kienzle AG and now operates in Hamburg, Germany.
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Details
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Title
Blue and Gold Alarm Clock
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Maker
Kienzle
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Date made
1950s
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Subject
Clock
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Additional information
Processed material, Metal Processed material, Metal, Brass Processed material, Glass Processed material, Plastic
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Rights
All rights reserved
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Location
The Old Fire Station, 32 Main Road, Katikati 3129
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Website
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Western Bay Museum
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Text adapted with permission from Te Papa and Digital NZ
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