Design
This 1960s anniversary clock features an unusual lantern-shaped case made of gold-colored metal and transparent glass panels. Its gently sloping roof is decorated with curved ornamental elements and a small finial. The glass sides reveal the movement and the torsion pendulum below.
The round, silver-colored dial has Roman hour numerals, gold-colored hands, and the “Schatz” signature. The number “400” refers to the clock's extended running duration. The four pendulum weights beneath the dial, curved brass supports, and rectangular base give the clock an especially delicate appearance.
Technology
Inside is a mechanical 400-day movement made by August Schatz & Söhne. Timekeeping is regulated by a slowly oscillating torsion pendulum with four weights that turns back and forth around a vertical axis. The suspension spring is a particularly delicate part of this mechanism. A regulating scale is located beneath the movement. The movement plate bears the maker's mark “Aug. Schatz & Söhne – Germany” and the inscription “Two Jewels Unadjusted.” The clock has no chime.
Manufacturer
Jahresuhrenfabrik – August Schatz & Söhne
Triberg
· Black Forest – Baden-Württemberg
· Germany
The history of the anniversary clock factory in Triberg began in 1881, when clockmaker August Schatz (1854–1927) established an independent workshop together with fellow clockmakers. At first, the workshop produced regulator clocks. Before long, Schatz turned his attention to a relatively new type of timepiece: the anniversary clock with a rotating pendulum.
The idea behind these remarkable clocks originated with Johann Anton Harder. His design used a slowly oscillating torsion pendulum that required very little energy to keep it moving. Turning the concept into a reliable clock, however, proved difficult. August Schatz and his colleagues continued refining the mechanism until it worked dependably. In March 1882, the first twelve anniversary clocks were sold.
This marked the beginning of a success story in Black Forest clockmaking. Known as 400-day clocks, these timepieces needed winding only about once a year. In 1884, the business became Jahresuhren-Fabrik AG. Over the years it operated under several different names and legal structures, eventually becoming known around the world as Jahresuhren-Fabrik GmbH August Schatz & Söhne.
In addition to its famous anniversary clocks, the company manufactured regulators, wall clocks, kitchen clocks, cuckoo clocks and travel alarm clocks. Large numbers of its timepieces were exported, finding their way into homes across the world.
During the twentieth century, the product range evolved. Alongside traditional mechanical clocks, battery-powered movements and marine timepieces became increasingly important. The company became particularly well known for its ship's clocks and instruments in the Schatz marine ranges.
As electronic clocks and inexpensive quartz timepieces became increasingly widespread, traditional clockmaking faced growing economic pressure. In 1986, the company filed for bankruptcy.
Yet the history of the anniversary clock factory has not been lost. Historical company records, patents, trademarks and order books are now preserved in the Baden-Württemberg Business Archives. Its surviving clocks are reminders of a manufacturer that played a decisive role in the development of the German anniversary clock.
Sources:
https://blog.deutsches-uhrenmuseum.de/2019/01/03/jahresuhr/
https://www.wa-bw.de/jahresuhrenfabrik-gmbh-aug-schatz-soehne-triberg/
