August 2004 chapter 168 meeting in Sydney (contact can be made through the webmaster@aussieclocks.com )

Japanese Torsion Clocks

Torsion pendulum clocks manufacture in Japan was unknown prior to WW II however post war the US armed forces most likely introduced German models which they brought out of Germany and sold through their PX stores. At least two, possibly three Japanese clock companies took the initiative to begin production of torsion pendulum clocks.

This began in the mid 1960s and was too late to make any impact on the market as the German manufacturers were rapidly disappearing due to over-supply and a price war.  Production of mechanical clocks stopped in 1975

Manufacturers were the Ishihara Clock Co, Nisshin Industrial Clock Co. and another mystery manufacturer of which two examples of a 60-day clock have been documented.  Back plate information is found in the guide and in the Torsion times

The meeting includes business matters dealing with future events and issues of membership and administration

click on thumbnails for larger images
Two 4 "glass" examples of Master clocks, the right one having a very unique wind indicator - 100 days model Movement of the wind indicator clock Traditional dome models, 400 and 100 day Master
More ornate dialed Masters The movements are of poor quality with plastic pallets and barrels attached to the back plate JUF with a Tasmanian retailer, pendulum below
The mystery clock was quickly identified as a Junghans - see below Junghan's movement DRGM patent C 1910
Junghans shield dial JUF Restoration Competition JUF - how do you restore this crazed dial?- watch this space
Candidates for the restoration Competition are scrutinised for initial appraisal Points are scored for the dial. movement, pendulum and the base, columns etc
a  4 ball Gustav Becker project A Kaiser Universe which has received harsh treatment - a challenging repair needed on the barrel Kundo project
Schatz 1000 day project Unusual Kienzle project