1949 – 1950 Schatz 400 Day Clock With No Name On Dial
November 17, 2009 . by Bill400 day or “Anniversary” clocks were introduced in the 1880s in Germany. Their popularity had its ups and downs, reaching a peak in the 1950s, when many U.S. servicemen sent clocks home as gifts.
For years, most 400 day clocks did not have the maker’s name or country on the dial. Later (1920s?), “Made in Germany” started appearing on the bottom of dials. Finally, in the early 1950s, it became customary for the maker’s name (or an abbreviation) to appear on the dial. Examples:
- Heco: Henry Coehler & Co. (a U.S. importer, not a maker)
- Herr: Uhrehfabrik Herr
- Kern: Kern & Sohne
- Koma: Konrad Mauch
- Kundo: Kieninger & Obergfell (K und O)
- Schatz: Aug. Schatz & Sohne (also known as Jahreuhrenfabrik)
I just repaired a Schatz (Jahresuhrenfabrik) 400 day clock that made about 1949 or 1950. The movement has no date, and says Jahresuhrenfabrik (German for Year Clock Company) in the circle around the 49. The number 49 is supposed to represent the year (1949) that this model of movement was introduced, although very similar movements had been made by this company since around 1900 or earlier.
The dial on this clock does not say “Schatz”, and I have seen other made about the same time with no name on the dial. Judging from the examples I have seen, the name Schatz starting appearing on dials around 1950 or 1951. If you have any information about this, please leave a comment below.
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- 400 day clock made about 1950, before “Schatz” was put on the dials.
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- The dial has no name (later dials say “Schatz”). It says “Made In Germany” at the bottom.
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- Hrolovar back plate no. 1278. No date. Labeled Jahresuhrenfabrik, Germany, 49 inside the circle.
Repair Work
This clock had one very rough pivot (front center wheel pivot) which probably caused excessive friction. I smoothed and burnished it, polished the other pivots, and smooth broached the pivot holes.
The movement is no. 1278 in the Horolovar 400 Day Clock Repair Guide. It uses a 0.004 inch thick suspension spring.
Repair job 5015.
Bill I see the 400 day clock is in a New condition
in future I want some fotos of these clocks (special models) for my website.
I am now working on watches up to 1500.
Regards Peter
Hi Peter, Your web site is looking good! You are welcome to use any of my photos, just give credit that they came from clockinfo.com. You can click on the photo, then click again to get a high resolution version.
– Bill
Bill,
I hope you can help me with a Kundo (on face) anniversary clock I picked up at the Goodwill for $5.00. I am not a “clock” expert or even a novice but I like old things and tinkering. My clock has a broken suspension spring (I think). Can you please help me locate a replacement part and provide any pointers you may have on its installation and subsequent “tuning” of this cute old clock? I am hoping to have it ready by Christmas for my wife. Thank you for your time.
The following web site shows suspension springs and instructions on eBay:
http://400day.com/Store/400-day-susp-springs
Hi
I have a schatz 400 day clock I want to know if its fake or not. It has a plastic cover and its battery operated. My parents brought it in the 70’s in Hong Kong someone help me out please
Schatz did make some clocks that are battery operated but look like 400 day clocks. They are not as common as the windups.
Hello Bill,
I have a 400 days clock with the same dial(earthenware).
It is an electro-méchanical one(not a quartz!),with a suspension spring,just like the classicals ones made by KERN.
PS:Excuse my rosted english,I’m french…
Regards,
David
If any readers know of a Schatz anniversary clock with a battery powered motor that might be for sale, please write me. Thanks timebum@gmail.com