Quartz Clocks. A quartz clock is a clock that uses an electronic oscillator that is regulated by a quartz crystal to keep time. This crystal oscillator creates a signal with very precise frequency, so that quartz clocks are at least an order of magnitude more accurate than mechanical clocks. Generally, some form of digital logic counts the cycles of this signal and provides a numeric time display, usually in units of hours, minutes, and seconds.
The world’s first quartz clock was built in 1927 by Warren Marrison and J. W. Horton at Bell Telephone Laboratories. The world’s first quartz watch, however, was unveiled by Seiko as the Astron in December 1969. Since the 1980s, when the advent of solid-state digital electronics allowed them to be made compact and inexpensive, quartz timekeepers have become the world’s most widely used timekeeping technology, used in most clocks and watches as well as computers and other appliances that keep time. Reference: Wikipedia
Quartz Clock Movement
Patek Philippe A RARE QUARTZ TABLE CLOCK WITH SWEEP SECOND MADE FOR THE S.B.S. REF 1160E N 1.800.087 MADE IN 1972 • cal. 29 QZ quartz movement • silvered dial with the logo of the SBS • gilt brass shaped case • case, dial and movement signed dimensions 210 x 140 mm
The ref. 1160E was made made from 1972 to 1974 as a presentation clock with a specific shape and the SBS (Société de Banques Suisses) logo; the SBS ordered these clocks for presents. Today, only three of these clocks have been identified back in to the market.
Sold for 6,250 CHF at Sotheby’s in 2016
Jean & Pierre Bellin. A Fine and Unique Yellow Gold, Diamond, Tourmaline, Amethyst and Nephrite Arabian Gazelle Mantel Clock Model: The Arabian Gazelle Movement: Quartz Year: Circa 1993 Object/Case: 18k yellow gold realistically and finely sculptured depiction of a pronking Arabian Gazelle on a yellow gold and textured desert surface, supported on an oval rose quartz and yellow gold base, desert foliage with amethyst and diamond set, and pink tourmaline and diamond set flowers, green agate leaves, the scene against a backdrop of two yellow gold and nephrite stylised palm trees, resting between the palm trees is a yellow gold, diamond and pink tourmaline Arabic style motif containing a blue stone and diamond set dial and movement Dimensions: 18.5cm Wide, 23cm High Specifications: Gold: 772grams Diamonds: 4.85 carats
Sold for HK$ 188,125 (£ 18,067) inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2019
Digital radio alarm clock. (Sony “Dream Machine”, model number ICF-C218). The case is formed of silver plastic with a transparent dark tinted front panel. The clock and radio indicators are visible through the front panel. The speaker grille and controls relating to time and alarm setting are located on top of the clock. Controls for the radio are located on the right-hand side of the clock (as normally viewed). A captive mains power cable and the radio antenna emerge from the rear of the clock. The clock display is of green LED digital type. The digital display may indicated time, date or alarm time. Also indicated, by LED dots, are “DST” (daylight saving time, lit for yes), “ALARM” (alarm status, lit for on) and battery sysmbol (state of backup battery, lit for weak). The radio frequency indicator scale is located underneath the clock display and is of the linear mechanical type.
The clock is quartz controlled. It uses the Sony “Auto Time Set” system, whereby the time is preset at the factory, using a backup battery to retain time when clock is unplugged (although the time is not displayed when unplugged). The clock is not automatically regulated. The time and date can be adjusted by pressing the button marked “CLOCK” for 2 seconds, then using the “+” and “-” buttons. The clock automatically adjusts for British Summer Time.
The alarm can be set to use radio or buzzer and has a variable snooze feture. The radio has FM and AM bands. Tuning and volume adjustment is carried out using rotary controls at the side of the clock.
Reference: © The Trustees of the British Museum
INDUCTA FOR ROLEX. A LARGE AND UNUSUAL GILT METAL QUARTZ WALL CLOCK SIGNED ROLEX, INDUCTA, CIRCA 2000 Movement: Quartz, signed Dial: Signed Case: Back secured by 4 screws, 60 cm. diam., signed
Sold for HKD 137,500 at Christie’s in 2019
Gilt-Metal and Simulated Blue Hardstone Alarm Desk Clock, Asprey Quartz, the octagon-shaped clock composed of simulated blue hardstone, centering an octagonal white dial with black Roman numerals, with two subsidiary dials, surmounted by a simulated blue hardstone base, diameter approximately 83 x 69.5 mm., dial signed Asprey, Swiss Made. 4 3/8 x 3 5/16 x 1 3/16 inches.
Sold for $468 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2016
