Smiths 'Sectric' Electric Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1955
This electric wall clock is produced by the English manufacturer Smiths Clocks & Watches Ltd. Dated to approximately 1955, the piece is identified as a variation of the 'Durban' model, a design produced by the firm between 1937 and 1966.
The clock features a square plastic case with curved, decorative corners, housing a round dial fitted with Arabic numerals and a red sweep seconds hand. Power is provided by an electric synchronous movement. Inscriptions confirm the manufacturer and origin, with markings on both the dial and the reverse side of the case indicating the product was made in Great Britain. The clock was acquired by the museum via a bequest in July 1970 and is catalogued under the reference number ST 26681.
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
- Electric clock
- Dimensions
- 16 cm x 6 cm x 16 cm
- Trade name
- Sectric
- Manufacturer
- Smiths Clocks & Watches Ltd
- Movement type
- Electric synchronous
- Place recorded
- England
- Model reference
- Durban variation
- Case Inscriptions
- Smiths Clocks & Watches Ltd. Made in Great Britain
- Dial Inscriptions
- Smiths, Sectric, Made in Great Britain
- Manufacturing date
- circa 1955
- Maker / attribution
- Smiths Clocks & Watches Ltd
Design
- Visible features
- • Square plastic case with curved, ribbed corner detailing • Round dial with Arabic numerals 1 through 12 • Includes a red sweep second hand • Electric synchronous movement as cited in museum documentation
- Case and Dial Design
- The object is a wall clock housed in a square plastic case defined by its curved corners. The exterior design incorporates decorative molded ribbing at each corner. The circular dial is set within a metallic bezel and features clear Arabic numeral hour markers. A central hand stack includes a distinct red sweep hand designed for tracking seconds. The dial surface carries brand and origin information integrated into the lower portion of the design, consistent with the firm's period manufacturing standards.
- Movement and Function
- The clock is powered by an electric synchronous movement. This mechanism was a core component of the company's output following their transition into electric timekeeping. The device relies on mains electricity, aligning with the operational requirements of the 'Sectric' line developed by the manufacturer starting in the mid-1930s.
- Signatures and Provenance
- The clock is marked with the manufacturer's name on both the dial and the rear of the casing, ensuring consistent branding. The provenance is established by its entry into the collection as a bequest from Mrs. E. M. Askew in 1970. The cataloging process assigned it the registration number ST 26681, classifying it under the 'Science & Measurement' area of the museum holdings.
Identification
- Reference
- Durban model
- 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 specific production date is only estimated as circa 1955
- Research required: The link to the 'Durban' model series is based on museum classification