Internet Horology Club 185
Keyless car clock

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9886029761/m/51210375

April 01, 2009, 21:03
Chris Abell
Keyless car clock
Hi been rummaging through all the stuff and found this looks interesting I wound it up (twisting the bezel) pulled and set the hands its running!.
I know nohting about these so

Who?
When?
What cars?
and of course any idea of value?




www.Abellwatchmakers.com
April 01, 2009, 21:04
Chris Abell
1




www.Abellwatchmakers.com
April 02, 2009, 00:00
Ernie Loga
Usually auto clocks were sold by independant dealers so two identical clocks could be installed in two different brand cars. They were usually mounted or installed in the dash.

The example you have wold have been installed in a 1916 or later motel car. The flange around the clock indicates that this application would have been installed into a dash. A hole would be cut out in the dash and the clock inserted into the hole and then screwed down.

Here is an example of an auto clock that woul dhave been surface mounted to a dash board that would have been straight up and down.


April 02, 2009, 00:12
Tom Brown
Chris

Don't know how useful this is to you but I am going to see if I can find further.

In 1915 the Keyless Auto Clock Company was incorporated in New York City with $125,000 by A. Perry, F. Phinney, E. J. Hogerty

Tom
April 02, 2009, 00:21
Tom Brown
Me again, they were also called the Phinney-Walker Keyless & Rim Setting auto clock made by the Phinney-Walker Keyless Clock Company, 79 East 130 Street, NY, NY

Tom
April 02, 2009, 00:25
Tom Brown
Ad


April 02, 2009, 07:55
Chris Abell
Thanks Guys,

Interesting clock, love the add you found, did you notice its a English bi-plane, wonder if they did supply them to the RFC/RAF. My grandafather flew them for the RFC.
Will digging aaround I found about 5 more 8 day & car clocks will have to take a few photos


www.Abellwatchmakers.com
April 03, 2009, 12:52
David Abbe
The "Made for U.S. Navy" ad, I can bellieve. Also illustrating the ad with the British Tri-Color "Bullseye" on the wings (I always did wonder about that) certainly "Rings" with the closing days of WWI.
March 16, 2010, 11:22
Robert Darrah
I just acquired Navy version of the Keyless Auto Clock Company's clock. After putting in a missing dial screw and pullung the face away from the second hand, it runs. It winds ok, buy I can not set it. After investigating, (I am not much of a clock man, more a steam engine type) I suspect it is because the small (3/8")gear that should engage the large ring gear when the rim is pulled out just spins freely on the shaft.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. And, Tom, is it possible to get a larger version of the advertisement that you posted last April 2?

Thanks.
March 17, 2010, 10:22
Tom Brown
Robert

I am trying to find the ad again, I didn't save it last time. If I find it I will email it to you.

Tom
March 18, 2010, 13:50
Robert Darrah
Thanks, Tom, I appreciate your efforts. Now if I could just get the set function to work. Something is missing somewhere.

I did fix the 3/8 inch set gear to the spring loaded shaft. And, when the case is off, I can push the shaft toward the face and engage the gears that set the clock by rotating the 3/8" gear. I haven't a clue as to how this is supposed to work by pulling the bazil forward. Is there anyone formilliar with the keyless auto clock that could clue me in?