Museum piece
This Kienzle mantel clock combines the clean lines of Art Deco design with traditional clockmaking. Its broad, polished veneered wooden case has a gently curved top. The warm wood grain lends the clock an understated elegance. At the center is a large round dial with a light-colored chapter ring, prominent Arabic numerals, and slender openwork metal hands. The stepped base and shaped side elements complete its harmonious appearance.
Inside is a mechanical pendulum movement with Westminster chimes. Part of the Westminster melody plays every quarter hour; on the hour, the melody is followed by the corresponding number of hour strikes. Behind a curved wooden door at the back are the brass movement, pendulum, and chime rods. A small metal plaque below the opening reads “Original Kienzle.” The exact movement caliber has not yet been established.
This clock has found a new home in Ontario, Canada.
Manufacturer
Schwenningen (now part of Villingen-Schwenningen) · Black Forest – Baden-Württemberg · Germany
Kienzle's history began in 1822, when master clockmaker Johannes Schlenker established a business making Black Forest clocks in Schwenningen. After Jakob Kienzle joined in 1883, the company, then known as Schlenker & Kienzle, developed into an important manufacturer of alarm clocks, wall clocks, and mechanical clock movements.
In 1897, Jakob Kienzle became the sole proprietor. Standardized components and modern manufacturing methods allowed production to expand considerably. By the early 20th century, Kienzle was among Germany's major clockmakers and had broadened its range to include pocket watches, wristwatches, and automobile clocks.
Over the following decades, the company produced many well-known models. Alongside traditional pendulum and mantel clocks, Kienzle made specialized timepieces. In 1963, it introduced the Heliomat, a solar-powered table clock. During the 1970s, the company began manufacturing its own quartz movements.
Following several changes of ownership and financial difficulties, the original company's history came to an end with insolvency proceedings in 2014. The long-established Kienzle brand name, however, continues to be used for watches and clocks.
Kienzle remains an important name in German clockmaking history, reflecting the transition from traditional Black Forest craftsmanship to industrial mass production.