This clock was made by Franz Watzl of Vienna, Austria. Most likely while it was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, which was itself kaput as of 1918. Someone wrote in German that the clock was broken and didn't work. This was true. The escapement needed to be adjusted and put back in beat.

I like the little glass window over the balance and escapement. This is an eight day time only movement.

Kaput no more! The Franz Watzl is now telling time reasonably well. It needed a complete cleaning and adjustment.

Greg,

Interesting escapement. Always enjoy your posts, keep them coming.

Thanks,
Steve

Regarding Franz Watzl, I found one of his advertisements. It's a flyer mailed out to various prospective customers describing the goods and services available. I think my clock must be what is listed as a kitchen clock.

On this side of the paper, Franz states that his firm is the first, largest and oldest watch repair company.

With over 20 assistants......

Repair prices 50% below the minimum price tariff issued by Vienna Watchmakers Association....

If you need a clock repaired it will be picked up immediately and returned as soon as possible... with a one year warranty.

"As a special rarity, with a free viewing from 7a.m. to 8p.m., talking clocks, singing mechanical clocks, eucalyptus clocks with a zither-playing dairymaid, trumpet- playing clocks harp sounds, etc. etc."

Franz Watzl, Vienna, 18th century, Schulgasse 5 (8 minuets from bus from Stentansplatz).

Here we have the second half of the front of the flyer. It is dated October of 1913 (a year before the beginning of World War One). From what my translation app says, Watzl is informing someone that his telephone number has changed. A message perhaps to a royal customer, begins with the salutation, "Your Highness" and states that Watzl is willing to send over sample watches and jewelry for approval with no obligation to purchase.

Please forgive me crude AI assisted translations, above.

Other than the clock and the above advertisement, the only other information I have about this clockmaker is that the firm provided small time-only aircraft clocks for the Austro-Hungarian empire during the first world war WWI (1914-1918).

The war did not go well for Austria-Hungary, in fact it was the end of the empire. So, did the firm of Franz Watzl survive this turbulent time? I don't know. Do you have anything more to add?

Hi Dr. Debbie. I was wondering if we could change the title of this post to ,"Franz Watzl clockmaker". This would be more likely to turn up in a search in case someone is looking on the www for information about this watch and clock maker.