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.
