Travel alarm clock

This elegant, fully mechanical travel alarm clock from approximately 1940 to 1960 features a classic cream-colored dial with Roman numerals for the 12-hour display and Arabic numerals for the 24-hour display, as well as a central seconds hand. The movement is hand-wound and includes a separate alarm hand with an acoustic bell signal, which is fully functional. The case, with a gold-colored bezel, is likely made of nickel-plated brass. The travel clock comes in its original brown genuine leather case with a folding mechanism and snap closure, hand-stitched and showing age-appropriate patina. The case measures approximately 3.5 cm in height, 9 cm in length, and 10 cm in width. The original winding key is securely attached to the case via a fine metal chain—a rarely preserved functional unit that enhances both practical use and collector value. The total weight is 223 grams.

On the back, there are four openings with specific functions: winding the movement, winding the alarm, setting the time, and setting the alarm time, with a graduated scale and a right-to-left directional arrow that allows precise adjustment of the alarm. This clear separation of controls is a hallmark of high-quality construction and enables intuitive operation.

Handwritten markings “L80477” and “W 1466/449” suggest prior official or military use, increasing the object’s documentary and collector value. The fact that they were applied by hand indicates individual or batch-specific registration. Style, materials, and technical design point to the postwar period, when mechanical travel alarm clocks were primarily used by business travelers, officers, or technicians who relied on a dependable timekeeping and alarm function. The combined 12-/24-hour display suggests military or international use, for example in railway, aviation, or shipping contexts. Its compact design and sturdy case made it ideal for mobile use.

For collectors, the item is particularly interesting due to several features: the combined 12-hour and 24-hour dial, the central seconds hand, the separately adjustable alarm hand with acoustic signal, the original hand-stitched leather case with age-appropriate patina, the winding key attached by a metal chain, and the double handwritten markings. The alarm clock is in working condition, with slight signs of use but no cracks or missing parts. An age-related seam opening on the mechanical fixation indicates intensive use, but does not affect functionality or stability. A conservation-oriented restoration is possible.