Museum piece
This rectangular mantel clock from the 1960s has a dark brown wooden case with a smooth, glossy finish. Its light-coloured rectangular dial is framed in brass. Slim applied hour markers and metallic hands give the clock a restrained appearance. The name “Gigant” appears above the centre of the hands. A glazed front panel, hinged at the side, protects the dial. The case rests on four angled brass feet.
Inside is a Kienzle calibre 606c electromechanical clock movement with an electrically operated winding lever. At regular intervals, an electromagnet pulls a hinged armature. This action winds the mechanical gear train. The clearly audible click each time the electromagnet attracts the armature is characteristic of this movement. The clock is battery-operated and has no striking or chiming mechanism.
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.