Hermle Mid-Century Mantel Clock with Mechanical 8-Day Movement and Chime, 1960s

This Hermle mantel clock from the 1960s combines a gently curved form with the warm character of its light, finely grained wooden case. The round, gold-coloured dial sits harmoniously within the front and gives the clock a calm, welcoming presence.

The sides sweep softly outwards, while the small feet lend the case a light and balanced appearance. Its clear design makes it well suited to a sideboard, chest of drawers or shelf.

A special feature is the mechanical striking mechanism: the gong sounds a discreet ding-dong on three chime rods, marking the hours with a familiar, warm tone.

Origin and period

The clock dates from the 1960s and was made by the Franz Hermle & Sohn clock factory in Reichenbach am Heuberg, in the Swabian Alps of Germany. Hermle was one of Germany’s well-known makers of mechanical clock movements.

Its softly curved case, light wood and gold-coloured accents reflect the welcoming design language of the Mid-Century period. The restrained design brings together clean lines and warm materials.

Movement and mechanism

Inside is a mechanical Hermle movement, calibre 130-020, with a floating balance and a running time of approximately eight days. The floating balance system works without a conventional pendulum; timekeeping is regulated by the oscillating system integrated into the movement.

The original movement in the clock was defective and was recently replaced. The clock is now fitted with a Hermle calibre 130-020 in its current design. The mechanical movement has a striking mechanism that sounds on three chime rods.

On the hour, the gong strikes the number of the hour. On the half hour, it sounds once. The discreet ding-dong is characteristic of domestic clocks of this period.

The movement currently fitted has been cleaned, overhauled, properly lubricated and tested. The clock runs reliably and accurately.

Case, dial and design

The light wooden case has a finely grained surface and a gently curved, slightly flared silhouette. Its small feet lift the clock visually and emphasise its well-balanced proportions.

The round dial has a light, gold-coloured chapter ring with slender markers and gold-coloured hands. The two openings on the dial are used to wind the mechanical movement.

The combination of light wood and gold-coloured details gives the clock a warm, understated character. It sits beautifully on sideboards, chests of drawers and other surfaces where its curved form can be appreciated.

Condition and restoration

The clock has been carefully cleaned and restored. The mechanical movement currently fitted has been cleaned, overhauled, properly lubricated and tested.

Fine hairline cracks are present in the lacquer on the front of the case. These age-related marks have been left as they are and can be seen in the photographs.

Further age-related signs of use may be present. The photographs form part of the description.

The clock is fully functional and runs reliably and accurately.

Operation

The mechanical movement is wound with a winding key. When fully wound, the springs provide a running time of approximately eight days.

The striking mechanism marks each full hour with the corresponding number of strikes and sounds once on the half hour. If you prefer not to hear the gong, it can be disabled before dispatch.

A written guide to winding, setting and regulating the clock is included.

You can watch the clock in operation and hear its chime in our video.

Video with sound: https://youtu.be/ZfQ-2M0DCeU

Option to convert to a modern quartz movement

This clock can be converted to a modern quartz movement. You can choose whether the quartz movement is fitted with or without a chime. Simply add your chosen conversion option to the basket along with the clock, and we will carry out the conversion accordingly.

A converted clock is specially made to order. The conversion cannot be reversed. For this reason, we cannot accept returns or cancellations for a clock that has been converted to quartz.

At a glance

Maker: Franz Hermle & Sohn Clock Factory, Reichenbach am Heuberg, Swabian Alps, Germany

Period: 1960s

Type: Mechanical mantel clock / table clock

Design: Mid-Century; softly curved, slightly flared case

Case: Light, finely grained wood with small feet

Dial: Round chapter ring with gold-coloured markers and hands; two winding apertures

Movement: Mechanical Hermle calibre 130-020 with floating balance; recently fitted as a replacement for the defective original movement

Running time: Approximately 8 days

Striking mechanism: Gong on three chime rods; strikes the hour count on the hour and once on the half hour

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

Condition: Fully functional; fine hairline cracks in the lacquer on the front; age-related signs of use may be present

Dimensions and weight

Width: 25.5 cm

Height: 16.5 cm

Depth: 10 cm

Weight: 1,250 g

Included

The pictured Hermle mantel clock is supplied with its fitted mechanical movement and striking mechanism.

A suitable winding key and a written guide to setting up and operating the clock are included.

Shipping

We pack the clock carefully and securely for transport, taking particular care to protect the wooden case, dial and delicate mechanical components.

Our philosophy

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

At AntiguoShop, we believe that exceptional things deserve a second chance. That is why we give historic clocks a new lease on life, so they can continue to inspire people and enrich a home.