My Telechron Clock Collection

[TheVTCGuy]

I wanted to show my (meager) Telechron Clock collection. In 1909, Ellis Warren obtained a patent for electric timekeeping, but by 1916 decided battery powered clocks were too innacurate and impratctical. He devised a system of monitoring the 60hz frequency of AC power to regulate time. He also introduced the movement that was completely encased in oil, decreasing wear and increasing longevity. In the mid 1920s, Telechron was purchased by GE, and the clock faces showed GE-Telechron, until the 1950s. The GE clocks were spectacularly succesful and held huge market share through the 1970s. Below are my five favorite. These are not valuable by any stretch, together they probably are worth $1,000 to $1,500, but I really enjoy research and collecting them!

The first picture is my pride and joy, with an interesting story. After GE purchased Telechron, they wanted to exploit the new product, and combine it with some of their own. In 28,29,30 and 31, that clock was given to anyone that purchased a GE refrigirator. It takes the same appearance as the “monitor top” fridge and is made of cast iron. There are two models of this clock, mine is the second generation, from 30 or 31. It has subtle differences from Gen 1, 28 and 29, but I am still searching for one to complete my collection; (anybody know any? ).

The second is a prime example of the Art Deco style, and is from 37. It has the classic “mirrored” look that was popular back then. Blue was a very popular as was amber and green. These were bedroom clocks and some had lighted dials.

The third is called the: “House Timer” and from 39 or 40. It is extremely interesting in that it is the first example of a clock timer. The metal protrusions are pulled out or pushed in, and operate an AC-plug in on the back of the clock. It was designed and marketed so you would plug in your radio and never miss a program. When the time came for the program to air, the radio automatically turns on (and off). It was an expensive clock for it’s time, priced at $20.

The fourth is from 37 and called: “The Embassy.” It was designed and marketed to sit on an executive’s desk, and sits on mine. The brass encasing adds a send of class, I love the way it looks.

The Fith was a standard shelf clock, from 37 or 38. I like the look on my old radio.

These clocks are all at least 75 years old, have never been serviced, and all keeping perfect time. That is a testiment to the Telechron design and quality. My eventual goal is to have a large display case, with all these clocks and some advertisements from the era. What’s next? Not even sure, but I keep looking and am sure I’ll come up with some other Telechron clock I want.

[SearChart]

Cool collection, Paul

[TheRolexKingofLV]

Those are old school cool Paul!

[Alexwwjd]

Wow Paul, very nice collection! I like them all! thank you for sharing!


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[Bstewart]

Really neat! Thanks for sharing.

[swatty]

Nice

[tritium8]

That's pretty cool! Thanks for today's lesson.

[cop414]

Paul, they’re super sweet!

[BBL]

Very cool!

DM

[ejvette]

A nice unique collection

[DJ TT 2002]

Wicked awesome!!!
( if anyone isn’t from New England, that means really cool )

[Laszlo]

Nice collection, Paul.

Here’s a pic of the one I have, it sits atop a 7” bookshelf hence the crazy angle and odd lighting. It’s from the Art Deco period and super heavy metal construction. I unplugged it because one day it started struggling and it’s been dormant for about 10-years now. I love it.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

Nice collection, Paul.

Here’s a pic of the one I have, it sits atop a 7” bookshelf hence the crazy angle and odd lighting. It’s from the Art Deco period and super heavy metal construction. I unplugged it because one day it started struggling and it’s been dormant for about 10-years now. I love it.

I looked it up and think I found it Laz, it’s the “ALarm Light” produced between 31 and 36. I believe there is a knob on the back to control the light on the dial(?) (Many times these no longer operate). This was the less-expensive version of the standard Alarm model, although they looked almost identical. In 1935 your clock retailed for $6.95.

It IS possible to get it running again, there are some Telechron repair specialists and parts left, but... unless it has senimental value, not monetarily worth it. I had one of those repaired for around $300. You can buy a working model off the internet for $150 ish. But, that is a very nice clock! Congrats!

[Rockrolex]

Very nice collection and stories behind those clocks, Paul.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

I looked it up and think I found it Laz, it’s the “ALarm Light” produced between 31 and 36. I believe there is a knob on the back to control the light on the dial(?) (Many times these no longer operate). This was the less-expensive version of the standard Alarm model, although they looked almost identical. In 1935 your clock retailed for $6.95.

It IS possible to get it running again, there are some Telechron repair specialists and parts left, but... unless it has senimental value, not monetarily worth it. I had one of those repaired for around $300. You can buy a working model off the internet for $150 ish. But, that is a very nice clock! Congrats!

That's amazing information, Paul - thank you!! You're spot on about the light - it's such a cool clock. I've been meaning to get it repaired along with a Seth Thomas mantel clock that stopped a few years ago that needs new bushings. Maybe it's time to just get both done in one shot. There are so many wonderful antique clocks out there and I could fill my house with them. Before getting married I had a nice collection but it's been whittled down over the years and my wife just doesn't get it. My dad had some absolutely amazing clocks, spending an afternoon in his place with all the crazy chimes going off every 15-minutes was a real treat!

[Laszlo]

Based on inflation $6.95 ~1935 would be $125 today.

Imagine how difficult it was for GE during the depression, I suppose only upper middle class were purchasing clocks like these.

What an amazing period.

[GradyPhilpott]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telechron

[goin camping]

That GE clock is wonderful. Guess I'll start looking around for one.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by goin camping

That GE clock is wonderful. Guess I'll start looking around for one.

If you find a generation 1 from 1928 or 29, I’ll buy it from you

[Scot_3]

Fantastic collection, thanks for sharing

[mailman]

Cool collection and stories behind them Paul. I'm amazed at their age and without a service, they still keep good time

[Art 1]

Very nice all around. I really like the second one. It almost looks like it's made from Bakelite.

[yannis]

Very cool stuff Pablo!

[BNA/LION]

Nice clocks!

[DLRIDES]

Very nice collection !

[keschete]

Awesome collection!