Items Similar to Rare Early Large Cast Iron Exposed Dial Railway Clock by Synchronome Electric
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21
Rare Early Large Cast Iron Exposed Dial Railway Clock by Synchronome Electric
$1,918.34
£1,395
€1,642.25
CA$2,626.85
A$2,920.56
CHF 1,528.74
MX$35,819.70
NOK 19,464.69
SEK 18,376.97
DKK 12,254.99
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
About the Item
Early 20th-Century Cast Iron Railway Clock by Synchronome – 24-Inch Dial
A rare and commanding example of industrial timekeeping by Synchronome Electric, this large cast iron railway clock dates to circa 1915 and was originally designed for external use—most likely under cover at a railway platform or industrial depot.
Its bold 24-inch diameter exposed dial (no glass) is encircled by a weighty cast iron frame, with cast raised numerals and beautifully aged, crazed original paint. Inspecting the images you will also notice the exposure has left its mark where time stood still and the position the hands remained when the clock stopped operation have protected the area of the dial they covered leaving their imprint in time.
At its heart sits the original brass-mounted slave movement, professionally restored and now operated by a modern impulse driver that mimics the pulse of the master clock. The mechanism can be powered via mains or battery, offering flexible installation options.
A striking feature piece for loft-style interiors, converted stations, commercial spaces, or industrial-inspired homes.
The artist’s figure in the images is 6ft 1" to give a true representation of scale.
Era: Early 20th Century
Maker: Synchronome Electric
Mechanism: Original Slave Movement
Size: 615mm Diameter x 100mm Deep
Weight: Approx. 20kg
Condition: Restored & Ready. Minor wear = Major character.
Power: Impulse Driver – Mains or Battery Option
- Creator:Synchronome (Clockmaker)
- Dimensions:Height: 3.94 in (10 cm)Diameter: 24.02 in (61 cm)
- Style:Industrial (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1920
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. professionally restored and now operated by a modern impulse driver that mimics the pulse of the master clock. The mechanism can be powered via mains or battery, offering flexible installation options.
- Seller Location:Nottingham, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: SVD41981stDibs: LU7339245851242
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
1stDibs seller since 2022
77 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 6 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllVintage Synchronome Electric Copper Cased Railway Waiting Room Wall Clock
By Synchronome
Located in Nottingham, GB
Vintage Reclaimed Industrial Copper Wall Clock by Synchronome
A stunning little industrial clock made in England circa 1930 by The Synchronome Company Ltd.
Synchronome were the preeminent clock maker throughout the early & mid 20th century, commercially producing the most accurate electric clocks globally despite strong competition from companies such as Gents of Leicester.
Stunning stepped copper case retaining its wonderful original aged patination.
The attractive aged hand painted dial bearing Roman Numeral indices and the Synchronome Electric makers marks.
The clock currently retains its original 30 second impulse movement which we can run via a impulse driver which would mimic the original master the clock would of ran from, alternatively we can convert the original hands to run from a modern high torque battery quartz movement.
The artists figure in the images is 6ft 1" to give a representation of scale.
Technical Details
Movement Type Single AA Battery Powered Quartz
Clock face width 240 mm (9.5 Inch)
Overall Width 295 mm (11.5 Inch)
Depth 75 mm (3 inch)
Weight 1.5 kg
Colour / Materials Copper, Glass, Aged White
The Synchronome Company
The Synchronome Company, established in 1895 by Frank Hope-Jones and George Bennett Bowell, became one of Britain’s most influential manufacturers of precision electric clocks. Specialising in master clock systems, Synchronome revolutionised timekeeping with their innovative mechanisms, which distributed accurate time signals across large networks. Their clocks found widespread use in observatories, railway stations, and public buildings, becoming synonymous with reliability and precision.
One of their crowning achievements was the development of the Shortt–Synchronome free pendulum clock, created in collaboration with horologist William Hamilton Shortt. Released in the 1920s, this was the most accurate pendulum clock of its time and was used as the primary time standard in many observatories worldwide, solidifying Synchronome’s reputation for technical excellence.
Rivalry with Gents of Leicester
Synchronome’s rise to prominence brought them into fierce competition with another titan of the industry—Gents of Leicester. Both companies vied for dominance in the electric clock market, offering master clock systems that set the standard for accuracy and reliability. While Gents focused on robust, functional designs that served a wide range of public and industrial applications, Synchronome honed its reputation in scientific and observatory-grade timekeeping.
The rivalry spurred innovation, with each company striving to outdo the other in design, precision, and reliability. Gents became renowned for its large-scale installations in landmarks like Waterloo Station and the Houses of Parliament, while Synchronome distinguished itself with pioneering technology, particularly in the field of astronomical timekeeping. This competitive dynamic not only elevated the standards of timekeeping in the early 20th century but also left a legacy of exceptional craftsmanship and innovation that collectors and enthusiasts value today.
Synchronome Clocks: A Timeless Legacy
Today, reclaimed Synchronome clocks are treasured for their industrial design and historical significance. Known for their sturdy construction and clean, minimalist style, these clocks are perfect for adding vintage charm to modern interiors. Whether it’s a classic Synchronome master clock...
Category
Vintage 1930s British Industrial Wall Clocks
Materials
Copper, Steel
Enormous Reclaimed Cast Iron Industrial Clock by Gents of Leicester
By Gents of Leicester
Located in Nottingham, GB
"Historic Timekeeper: Enormous Gents of Leicester PulSynetic Industrial Clock"
Command any room with this historic and rare Gents of Leicester industrial clock. This monumental piec...
Category
Vintage 1920s British Industrial Wall Clocks
Materials
Steel
Rare Extra Small Octagonal Bakelite Wall Clock by Gent of Leicester
By Gents of Leicester
Located in Nottingham, GB
Rare Octagonal Bakelite Wall Clock.
A beautiful art deco style wall clock by renowned British clock maker Gents of Leicester.
Made in England circa 1930.
Gent of Leicester makers ...
Category
Vintage 1930s British Industrial Wall Clocks
Materials
Steel
Rare Extra Small Vintage Bakelite Wall Clock by Gent of Leicester - IG221303B
By Gents of Leicester
Located in Nottingham, GB
Small 6 inch Dial Bakelite Wall Clock by Gents of Leicester - B
A small bakelite wall clock by renowned British clock maker Gents of Leicester.
Made in England circa 1960.
Gent of...
Category
Vintage 1960s British Industrial Wall Clocks
Materials
Steel
Rare Extra Small Vintage Bakelite Wall Clock by Gent of Leicester - IG221303D
By Gents of Leicester
Located in Nottingham, GB
Small 6 inch Dial Bakelite Wall Clock by Gents of Leicester - D
A small bakelite wall clock by renowned British clock maker Gents of Leicester.
Made in England circa 1960.
Gent of...
Category
Vintage 1960s British Industrial Wall Clocks
Materials
Steel
Rare Extra Small Vintage Bakelite Wall Clock by Gent of Leicester - IG221303E
By Gents of Leicester
Located in Nottingham, GB
Small 6 inch Dial Bakelite Wall Clock by Gents of Leicester - E
A small bakelite wall clock by renowned British clock maker Gents of Leicester.
Made in England circa 1960.
Gent of...
Category
Vintage 1960s British Industrial Wall Clocks
Materials
Steel
You May Also Like
Antique Clock Dial Face Industrial Railway
By Morath Brothers
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A lovely painted metal clock dial signed Morath Brothers, Liverpool. Found in an industrial building, it bares the scars of a hard life. Originally a mechan...
Category
20th Century English Industrial Wall Clocks
Materials
Steel
Large Cast Iron Gents of Leicester Railway Station Platform Factory Wall Clock
By Gents of Leicester
Located in Sale, GB
- An incredibly rare example of the iconic larger cast iron wall clock made in England by Gent & Co Ltd Leicester, circa 1920.
- Beautifully pr...
Category
Early 20th Century British Wall Clocks
Materials
Iron
Large Cast Iron Tower Clock Face
Located in Ongar, GB
A stunning large 19th century French tower clock face made from iron which has old weathered paint. Fitted with later hands it now has a nice decora...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Wall Clocks
Materials
Iron
Large Double-Sided Railway Clock from Pragotron, 1980s
By Pragotron
Located in Żory, PL
Large double sided railway clock made by Pragotron in former Czechoslovakia in the 1980s. The clock has been converted into a new quartz mechanism, powered by an AA battery. It no l...
Category
Vintage 1980s Industrial Wall Clocks
Materials
Steel
Large Double-Sided Railway Clock from Pragotron, 1980s
By Pragotron
Located in Żory, PL
Large double sided railway clock made by Pragotron in former Czechoslovakia in the 1980s. The clock has been converted into a new quartz mechanism, powered by an AA battery. It no lo...
Category
Vintage 1980s Industrial Wall Clocks
Materials
Steel
1960's Space Age Electric Wall Clock by General Electric Lime Green Rare
By General Electric
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool beautiful color Lime green plastic case with electric movement General Electric, wall clock in working condition original cord very nice simple design, and beautiful colo...
Category
20th Century American Space Age Wall Clocks
Materials
Plastic