ImHof The Royal Geographical Society World Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1982
This terrestrial globe table clock, identified as The Royal Geographical Society World Clock, was produced by the Swiss manufacturer ImHof in a limited edition around 1982.
The design is attributed to British watchmaker Richard Good, with the clock edited by the Franklin Mint Ltd., London. The construction features a rotating terrestrial globe mounted above a circular brass base, which is set upon a dark ebonized wood plinth. Four vertical brass columns support an upper brass frame encircling the globe. The movement, designated as Caliber 15, is wound by turning the globe knob and set by manipulating the crown to align with a viewfinder or visor.
The instrument is intended to provide a view of the time globally. It measures 28 x 22 x 22 cm. The signature appears on a brass plaque affixed to the base.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Table clock
- Maker
- ImHof
- Editor
- Franklin Mint Ltd.
- Caliber
- 15
- Edition
- Limited edition
- Designer
- Richard Good
- Materials
- Brass and ebonized wood
- Dimensions
- 28 x 22 x 22 cm
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- ImHof
Design
- Visible features
- • Terrestrial globe features gold-tone geographical markings. • Circular horizontal dial plate displays time zone markings. • Four-post brass frame supports the globe and base assembly. • Ebonized wood base incorporates a signed brass plaque.
- Movement and Operation
- The movement, designated as Caliber 15, is a mechanical system requiring manual winding. Operators are instructed to wind the movement once every seven days by turning the globe knob clockwise. The time is adjusted by pulling the crown—described as the globe knob—and rotating it to align with the provided viewfinder or visor. The clock includes a specific methodology for synchronization. To display global time, the user must turn the globe using the brass plate until the desired time zone is positioned above the visor, allowing for a comparative reading of the time globally.
- Construction and Design
- The Royal Geographical Society World Clock is constructed from a combination of brass and ebonized wood. The clock stands on a dark wooden base, which supports a central circular brass housing for the movement. A terrestrial globe serves as a key visual and functional element, positioned above the main housing. The structure is reinforced by four vertical brass pillars that rise from the base to support a square, horizontal brass frame, which encircles the globe. Designed by British watchmaker Richard Good, the clock was intended to display time globally at a glance. It measures 28 by 22 by 22 centimeters. The globe itself is detailed with geographical markings in a gold tone against a dark background, indicating international zones.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The clock was produced in a limited edition around 1982, with documentation noting its association with the Franklin Mint Ltd. of London. The maker, ImHof, signed the object on a brass plaque located on the base of the clock. The auction description provides a grading assessment, identifying the clock as 'very good'.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The source attributes the design to Richard Good without documenting his specific role or contractual status.
- Research required: Condition is reported as 'very good' but requires an overhaul as per the auction description.