Author Archives: James Richardson

Regula Clocks: The Hidden Heart of the Black Forest

Posted May 2, 2025 by James Richardson

When you think of iconic German clockmaking, images of elaborate cuckoo clocks nestled deep within the Black Forest often come to mind. But behind the charming carved facades and the cheerful cuckoo calls, there’s an unsung hero keeping everything running smoothly: the Regula movement.

While not a household name like Junghans or Kienzle, the Regula Clock Company has quietly become one of the most important players in preserving the mechanical tradition of Black Forest timepieces.

🌲 A Company Rooted in Tradition

Regula, the movement brand, was established around the 1950s in Germany’s Black Forest region. It was created by Hubert Herr GmbH, a well-known traditional clockmaking family business based in Triberg, Germany.

To be very precise:

Hubert Herr had been making cuckoo clocks since the late 19th century (the company started in 1866), but Regula as a specialized movement manufacturer came about post-World War II, when the need for standardized, mass-produced cuckoo clock mechanisms grew.
The 1950s is when Regula started producing the movements under the Regula brand name that would soon become the industry standard for mechanical cuckoo clocks.

So in short:
✅ Regula was founded in the 1950s by Hubert Herr GmbH.

⚙️ What Made Regula Movements So Special?

Regula movements earned a reputation for being highly reliable, mechanically simple, and long-lasting. They powered everything from the simplest traditional one-day cuckoo clocks to ornate eight-day models with dancers, music boxes, animated animals, and more.

Each Regula movement was stamped with:

REGULA
Made in Germany
A model number (such as 25, 34, 72)

The different model numbers corresponded to the specific type of movement—whether a simple cuckoo or a musical model with multi-shaft drive systems. Thanks to their widespread use, replacement parts for Regula movements became easy to find, making repair and restoration much simpler than with many other clock types.

Even today, most authentic mechanical cuckoo clocks—whether vintage or brand new—likely house a Regula movement inside.

🧭 Survival Through Changing Times

The 20th century saw major upheavals in the clock industry. The rise of quartz technology in the 1970s and 80s nearly wiped out mechanical clock production in many parts of the world. Yet, Regula remained strong by focusing on its niche—mechanical cuckoo clocks—and maintaining its ties to the Black Forest’s traditional artisans. Today, Regula movements continue to be manufactured and remain the industry standard for German cuckoo clocks worldwide.

🔖 The Regula Legacy

Although Regula is not often featured on a clock’s dial, its work is vital to the life of the clock itself. Collectors and enthusiasts recognize a Regula movement as a mark of authenticity, quality, and mechanical artistry.

Without Regula, the rich tradition of Black Forest clockmaking would likely have faded much sooner. Their commitment to mechanical excellence ensured that generations of cuckoo clocks—from rustic hunting lodge designs to elaborate chalet-style masterpieces—continue to delight people around the world.

The next time you hear the cheerful sound of a cuckoo call, remember that behind that charming voice is the heartbeat of a Regula movement—faithfully ticking away, just as it has for decades.

✨ Final Thoughts

In a fast-moving world where convenience often overshadows craftsmanship, Regula remains a symbol of patience, precision, and heritage. It’s a reminder that some things—like the simple joy of a cuckoo clock—are worth preserving.

Though Regula may not be the most visible name in horology, its contributions ensure that the timeless beauty of mechanical cuckoo clocks lives on for generations to come.

The History of the Kienzle Clock Company

Posted April 26, 2025 by James Richardson

🕰️ From Swabian Roots to Global Innovation in Timekeeping

⏳ A Humble Beginning in the Heart of Germany

The Kienzle Clock Company—one of Germany’s most iconic and long-lived horological firms—was founded in 1883 in the town of Schwenningen, located in the Black Forest region of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Its founder, Johann Schlenker, originally operated under the name Schlenker & Kienzle, in partnership with his son-in-law Jakob Kienzle.

The area was already known for its rich tradition of cuckoo clocks and other Black Forest timepieces, but Kienzle would rise to prominence by embracing the industrial advances of the late 19th century. Unlike many local workshops that relied heavily on handcrafting, Kienzle pursued mechanization and standardization early on, positioning itself for large-scale production.

🔄 From Family Business to Industrial Powerhouse

In 1897, Jakob Kienzle assumed full control of the company, renaming it Kienzle Uhrenfabrik. Under his leadership, Kienzle became one of the first clockmakers in Germany to adopt mass production techniques, revolutionizing the way clocks were manufactured. This allowed the company to produce high-quality timepieces at affordable prices—opening up a wider market, both domestically and internationally.

By the early 20th century, Kienzle was producing:

Wall clocks and regulators
Mantel and bracket clocks
Alarm clocks
Tower and factory clocks
Wristwatches and automobile clocks

The firm’s ability to diversify product lines while maintaining consistent quality gave it a competitive edge.

🥇 Innovation and Global Expansion

Kienzle quickly became a household name not just in Germany but across the globe. One of its earliest achievements came in 1902 with the development of a simplified, cost-effective alarm clock mechanism that proved extremely successful.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Kienzle expanded internationally, establishing subsidiaries and export partnerships in Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia. The brand became synonymous with precision and modernity. By the 1930s, it was the largest clock and watch manufacturer in Germany.

Key innovations during this period included:

Dashboard clocks for automobiles
Travel alarm clocks with foldable cases
Marine chronometers and navigational instruments
Public clocks and tower time systems

⚙️ Design Meets Engineering: Mid-20th Century Mastery

In the post–World War II era, Kienzle continued to thrive. The company capitalized on the global rebuilding efforts by exporting affordable, attractive, and durable clocks to growing middle-class markets.

Notable product categories included:

Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern clocks
Electric wall and desk clocks
Wristwatches under the Kienzle brand
Flip clocks and world time clocks

Kienzle timepieces from the 1950s–1970s often featured sleek lines, chrome or brass finishes, and modular designs that appealed to the aesthetics of the time. These pieces are now considered highly collectible among vintage design enthusiasts.

💡 The Quartz Revolution and Corporate Shifts

Like many traditional clockmakers, Kienzle faced major challenges during the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s and 1980s. The influx of affordable, highly accurate quartz watches from Japan forced many European manufacturers to either adapt or disappear.

Kienzle responded by expanding into quartz movements and digital timekeeping, releasing several models that retained the brand’s signature styling while incorporating new technology. However, competition remained fierce, and the company underwent multiple restructurings and ownership changes in the late 20th century.

🧭 The Kienzle Brand in the 21st Century

Today, the Kienzle name is still active—though it exists in a different form. The brand was revived in the early 2000s, focusing on retro-styled wristwatches and fashion-forward timepieces that pay homage to the company’s legacy. While manufacturing is no longer based in Schwenningen, the Kienzle label continues to evoke its heritage of German engineering, elegant design, and timekeeping innovation.

Vintage Kienzle clocks and watches—particularly those made from 1900–1970—remain popular among collectors, prized for their build quality and stylish designs.

🔖 The Kienzle Logo and Markings

The traditional Kienzle logo often featured stylized type with the word “KIENZLE”, and sometimes incorporated a winged hourglass or clock face emblem. Movement plates were usually marked with “Made in Germany” or “Kienzle” along with movement numbers, aiding in identification and dating.

🧱 Collecting Kienzle Today

Kienzle timepieces appeal to both horologists and design lovers. Popular collector items include:

Flip clocks from the 1970s
Art Deco desk clocks
Brass and glass regulator wall clocks
Alarm clocks with mechanical bells or buzzers
Dashboard and aircraft clocks

Their durability and timeless design have ensured that many Kienzle clocks from the early and mid-20th century are still ticking today.

The History of the Gustav Becker Clock Company: A Legacy of German Precision

Posted April 22, 2025 by James Richardson

Few names in the world of horology are as revered as Gustav Becker. A pioneer of 19th-century German clockmaking, Becker’s clocks have long been admired for their technical quality, tasteful design, and timeless craftsmanship. Over the course of several decades, the Gustav Becker company evolved from a modest workshop into one of the most celebrated and influential clock manufacturers in Europe.

Origins: The Vision of Gustav Becker

Gustav Eduard Becker was born in Oels, Silesia (then part of Prussia) in 1819. He trained as a clockmaker in Silesia and Vienna, where he studied under master clockmakers who specialized in Viennese regulator clocks. This influence would later define the refined style of his own work.

In 1847, after years of technical study and travel, Becker established his own clockmaking workshop in the town of Freiburg in Silesia (now Świebodzice, Poland). Initially, production was limited, but his commitment to precision and his adoption of Viennese design principles quickly earned him a regional reputation for excellence.

Rapid Growth and International Recognition

Gustav Becker’s clocks gained prominence after he exhibited at the Silesian Industrial Exhibition in 1852, where he won a gold medal for his regulator clock. This recognition brought his company to the attention of the broader German and Austrian markets. Orders increased, and Becker began to expand his facilities and hire skilled workers.

By the 1860s, Becker’s factory was producing wall clocks, table clocks, bracket clocks, and longcase regulators. His clocks were known for their fine movement construction, hand-finished details, and elegant cases—ranging from Gothic Revival to simple, classical styles.

In 1867, Becker’s reputation went global when he received the Medaille d’Or (Gold Medal) at the Paris World’s Fair. This firmly established Gustav Becker as one of the premier clockmakers in Europe. His timepieces were soon being exported throughout Europe, Great Britain, Russia, and the United States.

Technical Excellence and Patents

Gustav Becker was not only a manufacturer but also an innovator. His clocks often incorporated precision pendulum regulation, jeweled escapements, and other high-grade features that enhanced accuracy and durability.

His firm registered several patents related to escapement mechanisms and pendulum suspension systems. He was particularly admired for his Vienna-style regulators, which offered extraordinary accuracy for the time.

Legacy After Gustav Becker’s Death

Gustav Becker passed away in 1885, but the company that bore his name continued to flourish. By the late 19th century, the firm employed hundreds of workers and was one of the largest clock manufacturers in the German Empire.

During the early 1900s, Gustav Becker clocks remained in high demand, especially for public buildings, schools, and rail stations. The company produced a wide array of models, from simple time-only wall clocks to ornate chiming longcase and bracket clocks.

The firm also began producing 400-day (anniversary) clocks, many of which were signed with the Gustav Becker logo and included serial numbers that now help collectors date them precisely.

Merger with Junghans and Decline

In 1930, due to growing competition and the economic challenges of the post-World War I era, the Gustav Becker company merged with Junghans, another major German clockmaker based in Schramberg, Württemberg.

While the Gustav Becker name continued to appear on clocks for a number of years, it gradually faded as Junghans consolidated its branding. Production under the Gustav Becker name ceased entirely by the late 1930s or early 1940s.

Following World War II, the town of Freiburg (now Świebodzice) became part of Poland, and the remaining factory assets were nationalized. The Gustav Becker brand was never revived.

The Gustav Becker Trademark

The Gustav Becker trademark is highly recognizable: a stylized anchor flanked by the initials “G” and “B”, often placed beneath a crown. This symbol is typically stamped onto the back plates of clock movements, helping collectors authenticate original pieces.

Over the years, subtle variations of the logo were used, which, along with serial numbers, help to date specific models with considerable accuracy.

Collectability and Lasting Influence

Today, Gustav Becker clocks are prized by collectors and horologists worldwide. Their combination of aesthetic beauty, mechanical reliability, and historical significance makes them highly sought after.

Popular models include:

Vienna regulators (both one- and two-weight)
Wall clocks with pendulums and chimes
400-day torsion clocks
Bracket and mantel clocks with Westminster or bim-bam chimes

Many Gustav Becker clocks are still running today—a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and precision.

Conclusion: A Horological Icon

The Gustav Becker clock company played a key role in the Golden Age of German clockmaking, elevating the art and science of timekeeping in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Though the name no longer appears on new clocks, the legacy of Gustav Becker lives on in the enduring craftsmanship of his surviving timepieces.

Whether adorning the wall of a historic home or ticking quietly in a collector’s study, Gustav Becker clocks continue to remind us of a time when beauty, precision, and function came together in perfect harmony.

Our Story: The Legacy of Franz Hermle & Sohn clock company

Posted April 19, 2025 by James Richardson

Precision, Tradition, and Innovation Since 1922

Franz Hermle & Sohn GmbH & Co. KG is one of the world’s most respected names in traditional German clockmaking. Founded in 1922 in Gosheim, Germany, Hermle has spent over a century mastering the art of precision timekeeping, producing mechanical clock movements and complete timepieces that are treasured around the globe.

Humble Beginnings in the Black Forest

The Hermle story began with a small workshop established by Franz Hermle, nestled in the Swabian Alps of southern Germany. From the very beginning, Hermle focused on producing high-quality mechanical movements, quickly earning a reputation for excellence among European clockmakers.

By the 1930s, Hermle was a trusted supplier across Germany and beyond—known for accuracy, craftsmanship, and reliability.

Post-War Revival and Global Growth

Following World War II, Hermle emerged as a leading force in rebuilding Germany’s clock industry. With Franz Hermle’s sons joining the business, the company expanded its offerings to include grandfather clocks, mantel clocks, wall clocks, and more—all built around its expertly crafted mechanical movements.

During this period, Hermle began supplying movements to clock manufacturers around the world, including major brands in the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan.

North American Expansion

To better serve its growing U.S. customer base, Hermle established Hermle North America in 1977. Located in Amherst, Virginia, this facility handles assembly, distribution, and customer service across the continent, helping Hermle maintain strong relationships with retailers and collectors alike.

Blending Tradition with Modern Technology

While many clockmakers faded with the rise of quartz technology, Hermle adapted. In addition to continuing its mechanical legacy, the company introduced a line of quartz and battery-powered movements, ensuring its timepieces met the demands of both traditional and modern customers.

Advanced CNC machining and quality control systems have allowed Hermle to maintain its standard of excellence into the 21st century.

Today: A Living Legacy of Timekeeping

Still family-owned and operated, Hermle continues to be a global leader in mechanical clock movements and fine timepieces. Whether you’re looking for a classic 400-day anniversary clock, a modern skeleton piece, or a heritage-style regulator, Hermle clocks are built to be passed down for generations.

Hermle remains committed to the preservation of traditional horology while embracing innovation—ensuring that the art of mechanical timekeeping lives on.

Hermle Quality worldwide

Over 100 years of horological expertise
Trusted worldwide by collectors and manufacturers
Made in Germany with precision engineering
A blend of craftsmanship, performance, and design

Experience Timeless Quality

Explore the collection to learn more about Hermle movements, services, and legacy. Visit Hermle Clocks North America.

The Timeless Art of Precision: The Story of August Schatz & Söhne – Jahresuhrenfabrik (JUF)

Posted April 16, 2025 by James Richardson

When we think of timeless craftsmanship in horology, few names evoke such respect as Jahresuhrenfabrik, also known to many collectors as JUF or Schatz. Known for their invention and refinement of the 400-day clock, Jahresuhrenfabrik clocks are more than timekeepers—they are heirlooms of mechanical artistry. Their story begins in the heart of Germany’s Black Forest and spans over a century of innovation, adaptation, and beauty.

🏔️ A Black Forest Beginning

The company was founded in the mid-1850s by August Schatz, originally under the name Schatz & Wintermantel. Located in Triberg, nestled in Germany’s historic Black Forest region, the company emerged at a time when southern Germany was a global center for traditional clockmaking.

In 1881, the business took on a more focused identity and was officially named Jahresuhrenfabrik A.G., which translates to “Year Clock Factory.” By 1897, it was restructured as Jahresuhrenfabrik GmbH, emphasizing its specialization in clocks that could run an entire year on a single winding.

🔧 The 400-Day Clock Revolution

What truly set Jahresuhrenfabrik apart was its commitment to refining the torsion pendulum clock—a design that relies on a rotating, twisting pendulum rather than a swinging one. This innovation significantly reduced friction and energy consumption, allowing clocks to run for 400 days (or more) without needing to be rewound.

This made the clocks both practical and poetic: wind it once on a special occasion—an anniversary, perhaps—and it wouldn’t need attention again until the next year. Hence the nickname: anniversary clocks.

JUF’s designs were both mechanically innovative and aesthetically elegant, often enclosed under a glass dome and crafted with ornate brass, enamel, or ceramic details. These timepieces soon became sought-after exports, especially in North America.

🐘 Branding with Strength: The Double Elephant

In 1900, JUF registered its now-iconic double elephant trademark—a symbol of strength, longevity, and reliability. While the emblem appeared primarily on company documents and movements early on, it wasn’t until the 1920s that it began to show up prominently on clock dials.

Collectors today still use the double elephant as one of the identifying marks of authentic early Jahresuhrenfabrik clocks.

👨‍👦 A Family Legacy: Aug. Schatz & Söhne

In 1923, the company underwent a significant transition and rebranded as Jahresuhrenfabrik August Schatz & Söhne, marking the next generation’s involvement. Over time, the clocks bore the simpler and more modern name Schatz, and the company became one of the best-known producers of torsion clocks globally.

While JUF had competitors like Kundo (Kieninger & Obergfell), their commitment to mechanical quality and design set them apart—especially in their ability to produce clocks that remained stylish yet technically advanced.

🌍 A Postwar Renaissance

After World War II, Schatz clocks experienced a renaissance. The company introduced models that appealed to both the traditional and modern market, including carriage clocks, mantel clocks, and even electromechanical hybrids. By the 1950s and 1960s, Schatz was exporting large quantities to the United States, Canada, and Europe, and their clocks became a fixture in homes and offices worldwide.

This postwar era solidified Jahresuhrenfabrik’s place in clockmaking history. The quality of their workmanship ensured that many of these clocks still operate flawlessly today—decades after they were made.

🧭 The End of an Era

Despite their success, the rise of quartz movements and digital clocks in the 1970s and 1980s marked a slow decline for traditional mechanical clockmakers. Eventually, Schatz ceased clock production, but not before leaving behind a rich catalog of beautifully engineered timepieces.

🏆 A Legacy That Still Ticks

Today, collectors and horology enthusiasts continue to admire and preserve Jahresuhrenfabrik clocks. Forums, restoration communities, and antique markets all pay homage to the JUF legacy. The clocks, with their slow-turning pendulums and polished domes, represent more than mechanical precision—they embody a moment in history when timekeeping was a craft.

Whether you inherited one or found one ticking away in an antique store, a Jahresuhrenfabrik clock isn’t just an object. It’s a legacy that keeps on ticking.

The Timeless Legacy of Kieninger & Obergfell (Kundo)

Posted April 16, 2025 by James Richardson

When you think of classic mechanical clocks, few names carry as much nostalgic charm and horological prestige as Kieninger & Obergfell—better known to many as Kundo. With origins in Germany’s Black Forest, this legendary clockmaker left an indelible mark on the world of timekeeping, especially during the golden age of mechanical clocks in the 20th century.

A Black Forest Beginning

Founded in 1899 in St. Georgen, a town nestled in Germany’s famed Black Forest region, Kieninger & Obergfell was born into an area steeped in clockmaking tradition. The founders, Joseph Kieninger and Thomas Obergfell, combined their mechanical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to build a company focused on precision, durability, and design.

From the very start, the firm was driven by a mission to innovate while honoring the craftsmanship that made German clocks world-renowned.

Meet “Kundo”

To give their clocks a distinct identity, the company soon adopted the brand name Kundo—a blend of Kieninger und Obergfell. That name would become iconic in homes around the world, especially after the company’s breakthrough product: the 400-day clock, also known as the anniversary clock.

These clocks used a torsion pendulum mechanism, allowing them to run for over a year on a single winding. Housed in delicate glass domes with polished brass accents, Kundo clocks weren’t just functional—they were works of art that became centerpieces in living rooms and mantelpieces globally.

Boom Years: Post-WWII Expansion

The mid-20th century was the golden era for Kundo. After World War II, demand for well-crafted German goods surged. Kieninger & Obergfell began exporting large volumes of clocks to the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. Their elegant yet reliable clocks found a ready market during the home décor boom of the 1950s and ’60s.

Whether it was a gleaming anniversary clock under a dome or a compact electric desk model, Kundo became a household name—synonymous with quality, longevity, and beauty.

Always Ticking Forward

Kundo wasn’t content to rest on tradition alone. As technology evolved, so did their clocks. By the 1960s, the company had developed a range of electromechanical clocks and even ventured into early quartz innovations. Their Kundo Electronic series blended traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge battery-powered movements—a smart move as tastes began shifting.

This willingness to adapt helped Kieninger & Obergfell stay relevant as long as possible during an era of rapidly changing consumer preferences.

The Quartz Challenge and Industry Shift

Despite their efforts to modernize, the advent of quartz watches and digital timekeeping in the 1970s marked a turning point. These newer technologies offered greater accuracy at a fraction of the cost—and they required virtually no maintenance.

Like many traditional clockmakers, Kieninger & Obergfell struggled to compete. Gradually, the brand’s presence faded from store shelves, and production was eventually discontinued or absorbed into other firms.

A Collectible Legacy

Though the company no longer produces new clocks, Kundo’s legacy lives on. Today, their vintage anniversary clocks are cherished by collectors for their:

Mechanical ingenuity
Classic mid-century styling
Intricate craftsmanship

Many of these clocks still work flawlessly with only minor maintenance, a testament to the company’s original quality standards. Restoration communities and horology forums continue to support Kundo enthusiasts, keeping the brand’s memory alive—one ticking clock at a time.

Final Thoughts

Kieninger & Obergfell may not be a household name anymore, but their clocks remain timeless—quite literally. Whether you inherited one from a grandparent or spotted one gleaming under a glass dome at an antique shop, there’s something captivating about a Kundo clock.

It’s more than just a way to tell time—it’s a beautifully engineered story from the past, still ticking today.

Elgin Sigfried Haller Skeleton Anniversary Clock time adjustment

Posted March 21, 2017 by James Richardson

This video will explain how to adjust the time on a Elgin Sigfried Haller Skeleton Anniversary Clock Germany c. 1986. The time adjustment is the same as any other standard 400 day Anniversary clock. The time adjustment is done by rotating the disk at the top of the pendulum either right or left depending on if the clock is slow or fast. The disk at the top of the pendulum has a Plus and a Minus symbol to show which direction to rotate the disk.