Design
This Kundo ATO electronic clock is designed as an open skeleton clock. The gold-coloured movement is displayed behind a silver-coloured dial ring. Its cut-out hour markers reveal the wheel train and mechanism. The round dial has Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9, with slim hour markers between them. A separate ring serves as the hour hand.
The movement stands on an oval, gold-coloured base and is protected by a clear glass dome. The open construction makes the movement of the pendulum and wheel train visible. Polished metal, clean lines and exposed mechanics give this 1960s clock its distinctive technical character.
Technology
Inside is a battery-powered electromechanical ATO pendulum movement. A permanent magnet attached to the pendulum moves within the field of a coil mounted on the movement frame. The exciter coil switches a transistor, which controls the current for the electric drive pulse. This pulse keeps the pendulum moving. The electronic control operates without a mechanical switching contact, so there is no contact wear. A pawl and ratchet wheel transmit the pendulum’s motion to the wheel train.
Story
ATO magnetic pendulum clocks are based on the electric clock principle developed by Léon Hatot. Kundo further developed this principle and made electronic ATO clocks without a mechanical switching contact. This clock was sold through Etsy and has found a new home in the Province of A Coruña, Spain.
Manufacturer
Kieninger & Obergfell – KUNDO
St. Georgen
· Black Forest – Baden-Württemberg
· Germany
The history of the Kundo clock brand began in 1899 in St. Georgen in Germany’s Black Forest. Johann Obergfell established a business there making clock movement components; he is also credited with developing the spiral gong. In 1918, Obergfell entered into a partnership with Georg Kieninger. The company Kieninger & Obergfell developed the Kundo brand, whose name derives from the initials K and O.
Kundo became especially well known for mechanical anniversary clocks with torsion pendulums. Thanks to their low energy consumption, these so-called 400-day clocks needed winding only about once a year. After the Second World War, they found customers around the world. Distinctive markings include the decorative Kundo lettering and the manufacturer's name Kieninger & Obergfell.
Johann Obergfell was succeeded by his son Reingold, who expanded anniversary clock production. Reingold's son Herbert took over in 1956. Under his leadership, electromechanical and electronic clocks became increasingly important. Transistor-controlled pendulum clocks appeared from 1956 onwards, followed by further electronic and quartz-controlled timepieces, including the Kundo 2000 ele-Quarz.
Another production site was established in Mariazell in 1964. In 1980, Kundo joined forces with Staiger, leading to the creation of Uhren Technik Schwarzwald (UTS). As technology evolved, the company's focus gradually shifted from traditional domestic clocks to other precision mechanical and electronic applications. Its history continues today under the Kundo xT name.
Kieninger & Obergfell should not be confused with the Kieninger Clock Manufactory founded by Joseph Kieninger in Aldingen in 1912. Georg Kieninger and Joseph Kieninger belong to two distinct company histories.
