VEB Harzer Uhren Gernrode – Buffet Clock, 1960s

This buffet clock by VEB Harzer Uhren Gernrode, made in the 1960s, combines a clear, well-balanced shape with warm wood tones. Its round, glazed clock head is set at the centre of an elongated base. The splayed feet and the contrast between the lighter wood and darker surfaces give the clock a distinctive presence.

The light-coloured chapter ring frames the wooden centre of the dial. Gold-toned hour markers and hands stand out subtly against it. The glazed front opens to reveal the dial. Its low, wide shape looks particularly at home on a sideboard, chest of drawers or shelf.

Origin and historical context

The clock was made in the 1960s by VEB Harzer Uhren Gernrode in the Harz region. It comes from the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). Its design belongs to the Mid-Century period, combining clean lines with the warmth of wood.

The Harz has a long tradition of clockmaking. The clear form and careful workmanship of this piece reflect the design of domestic clocks from that era.

The movement and its mechanics

Inside is the original mechanical movement, without a striking mechanism. The clock is wound with a key; batteries or a mains connection are not required for mechanical operation.

We completely dismantled the movement in our workshop, cleaned and overhauled it, lubricated it professionally and tested it. We then adjusted its rate. The clock runs reliably and keeps good time.

This buffet clock can once again do what it was made to do: keep time reliably and continue its story in a new home.

Case, dial and design

The case consists of a round, glazed clock head and a broad, elongated base. The slightly splayed feet lift the base above the surface. The different warm brown tones of the wood create a balanced contrast with the lighter dial surround.

The dial is round and clearly laid out. A light-coloured chapter ring surrounds the central wooden panel, while gold-toned hour markers and hands complete the design. The front glass is set in a hinged frame.

Condition and restoration

The case has been thoroughly cleaned and restored. The original mechanical movement was dismantled, cleaned and overhauled, then professionally lubricated and tested.

The clock is in very good original condition. Age-related signs of use and surface wear may be present. The photographs show the actual clock and form part of the description.

The clock is in working order and, following its service, runs reliably and keeps good time.

Operation

The mechanical movement is wound with the supplied key. A written guide to setting up and operating the clock is included. The clock has no striking mechanism.

Option to convert to a modern quartz movement

This clock can be converted to a modern quartz movement without a chime. A quartz movement with a chime cannot be fitted to this model. If you would like the conversion, please add the option for a quartz movement without a chime to your basket along with the clock. The conversion is made to order and cannot be reversed.

At a glance

Manufacturer: VEB Harzer Uhren Gernrode, Harz, Germany

Period of manufacture: 1960s

Clock type: Mechanical buffet clock / mantel clock

Design: Mid-Century; round clock head on a broad base with splayed feet

Case: Wood with a glazed, hinged front

Dial: Light-coloured chapter ring, central wooden panel, gold-toned hour markers and hands

Movement: Original mechanical movement without a striking mechanism

Winding: Key-wound

Restoration: Case cleaned and restored; movement dismantled, cleaned, overhauled, lubricated, tested and adjusted

Condition: Very good original condition; age-related signs of use may be present

Dimensions and weight

Width: 11.8 in – 30 cm

Height: 6.3 in – 16 cm

Depth: 4.7 in – 12 cm

Weight: 3.35 lb – 1,520 g

What is included

You will receive the pictured buffet clock with its original mechanical movement and no striking mechanism. The matching winding key and a written guide to setting up and operating the clock are included.

Shipping

We carefully pack the clock to ensure safe transport. Particular care is taken to protect the wooden case, dial, front glass and delicate mechanical movement.

Our philosophy

We are Lenka and Thomas, and we love old clocks. Not only for their mechanics, but also for the stories they tell. Every clock that leaves our workshop has been restored by us with patience, skilled care and great respect for its history.

At AntiguoShop, we believe that exceptional objects deserve a second chance. That is why we give historic clocks a new lease of life, so they can continue to delight people and enrich a home for years to come.