Introduction:

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If this blog is taking a long time to download on a slow connection try clicking on the chapter titles individually.

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The dates of the following chapters are completely fictitious and only entered to ensure a logical order. This blog has actually stretched over three years and the newest chapters have the oldest dates.

The blog format was deliberately chosen for this project to allow much greater flexibility in posting, enlargeable images (by left clicking on them) and regular updating. Some of my once-free websites have had three changes of ISP hosts in as many years. All five of of my originally free websites have now been deleted by (agent) Orange to increase their profits.

Please ignore the automatic post dating completely. Newest chapters are actually the oldest and all dates are completely meaningless anyway. I actually enter the chapter dates manually just to organise the sequence of "chapters" logically. Blogs do not allow automatic reverse dating so new material appears at the bottom of the chapter list.

If you can see only one chapter then click on "Home" at the bottom of the page to view the entire blog from top to bottom. This may suit those with a fast Internet connection. Those still on a slow connection may prefer to select from the chapter list on the left and browse the chapters individually to avoid waiting for all the images to download simultaneously. Most of the images can be clicked on for a larger version. Use your own discretion whether you have the patience to wait and see the larger version download. Enlarged image size will vary but may be up to a maximum of 300kB!

I'd like to thank all of those who have contacted me with information on their Telavox clocks. Particularly those who have shared images and the serial numbers and descriptions of their own clocks. I look forwards to receiving details of your Telavox or Clementa clocks. My new email address appears in the "Database Appeal" chapter below.

Please note that I cannot advise on the value of any Telavox clock. Condition, originality, case style, veneer, age, rarity, dial and even the country in which it resides will all greatly affect the value.

Telavox clocks very rarely come up for auction on eBay. Danish prices are low but the clocks are still very difficult to find. Elsewhere they are even more difficult to find but fetch higher prices for rarity value to clock collectors. eBay auctions will usually find the highest price the market will bear simply due to their huge, international audience. There are large numbers of clock collectors across the world but far fewer who collect electric clocks. This does not mean that electric clocks do not fetch high prices if they are rare enough, in good enough condition and interesting enough to make them desirable. It is impossible to say whether this applies to Telavox clocks since so few ever appear on eBay auctions.

If you cannot get your Telavox running using the simple instructions in the chapters below then please contact a professional clock repairer for advice. I have yet to find a repair guide of any kind so I am really no wiser than you when it comes to adjustments or repairs for non-working examples.

If you know of, or own, a Telavox clock repair guide then I would be very grateful for a copy. A photocopy or computer scan would be very useful.


If you have a repair manual and wish to sell it then please contact me with some idea of the price expected so that I may purchase it (if affordable) and then share the information contained there with a wider audience via this blog.

If you find the text too small then simultaneously pressing Ctrl and + will enlarge the text. Pressing Ctrl - will reduce it. Pressing Ctrl 0 (zero) will return it to its original size.
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The Telavox Clock

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Telavox clocks are easily identified by the lack of winding squares and the unique dial, hands, signature and chapter ring. In this example these features are seen in a very attractive, but slightly unusual, early, Bakelite drum case with wooden foot.

Telavox is pronounced TEE-la-voks in Denmark with the emphasis on the first syllable. It is only in Denmark that these clocks are usually found. Though examples have been taken abroad possibly by emigrants. They are surprisingly difficult to find even in Denmark. As a collector on the constant lookout I rarely see more than one Telavox clock in six months. These clocks attract only very low prices in Denmark. Probably because so few people, including clock repairers, understand them. So dealers cannot get them to run reliably and they are put into storage or discarded along with the now out-of-fashion, mass-produced, clockwork mantle clocks. Or worse: A cheap quartz movement is installed to replace the excellent original Telavox movement in the hope of selling the clock as an unusual "goer". Perhaps to a home decorator with a taste for "retro" but without the usual loud tick of a "clockwork" clock.

Instructions are provided here to get a striking Telavox or later Clementa clock to run:

After checking that the 4.5V battery is in good condition with a voltmeter or 4.5 volt torch bulb (or after replacing the old battery with a matching new one) the clock must be made to strike repeatedly to rewind the going spring. The rewinding and striking is driven by the battery but the going (ticking) is powered by a small spring which is rewound on every strike.

Using the knob provided at the back of the case advance the hands slowly *clockwise* to the next hour or half hour. You must wait patiently to allow the clock to strike each time until it stops by itself. After a few strikes the clock should be rewound and may be left to run after setting the hands to the proper time. The clock will then keep itself fully wound by striking normally at the hour and half hour as it tells the time.

If the clock stops after a while then allow it to strike a few more times by advancing the hands slowly and carefully as described above. Patience will usually be rewarded. Trying to move the hands on too soon may produce a buzzing noise as the clock parts rub against each other. This should be avoided or serious wear may take place.


Later Clementa instructions suggest that the clock be made to strike each hour (and half hour) right around the dial three times.  This is required whenever the clock has not run for a long time or when the battery is replaced.

A non-striking Telavox clock uses a large (and probably obsolete) 3V battery. Polarity may be important even if you can still find a battery. Or use modern batteries to obtain 3V. The original  battery leads had a simple fibre plug with two, odd-sized, brass pins to match the holes in the top of the battery. 

This later chapter illustrates the original batteries:

http://telavox.blogspot.com/2006/08/batteries-old-and-new.html

If you do click on a link or any image (for an enlargement) always back click to return to the text.
If you simply close a link or image your browser will also close.
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Telavox Clocks

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TELAVOX was a Danish company which prior to WW2 manufactured radios, loudspeakers and radiograms.

The German occupation of Denmark during WW2 forced the company to find alternative products to keep the staff employed and the company running.

The Director chose to design and manufacture battery-driven domestic clocks. He designed an unusual movement which utilised a torsion pendulum driven by a small spring. This driving spring was rewound at frequent intervals by the simple motor-driven striking mechanism. This method of operation resulted in excellent timekeeping since battery strength is completely divorced from the driving force.

The need for a variety of cases for these clocks must have kept the existing force of cabinet makers busy.

All striking models were powered by a 4.5Volt flat style of battery. These batteries were once commonly used for torches and bicycle lights but are rather more difficult to obtain these days. The battery was always given a secure resting place in a cutout within the clock case. Spring clips on short wire leads allowed secure battery connection to the movement.

Telavox movements were standardised into three basic types in all the examples I have seen so far: Non-striking, striking on a small highly-polished bell and striking on gongs. The number of hammers and gongs varies from one clock to another and may well have offered a choice to the paying customer. Or may have been available during a particular period of time.

All movements are separately marked with their own serial number hot-pressed into the fibre backplate. All cases have their own unique serial numbers on an attached metal plate. Often these are placed out of sight on the bottom of the case.

The image below shows an example of an early, non-striking movement with an unusually large battery space. Note the typical Telavox hand adjusting knob. Probably borrowed from the former radio department stockpile when radio production stopped.

All Telavox clocks seem to employ a form of resin fibreboard, similar to Tufnol, for the movement plates. This material was very strong, non-corroding, offered low friction for the movement pivots, was electrically non-conducting and probably avoided the need for frequent oiling. (though not completely) This ideal material may well have been borrowed from their circuit boards used for their radios and gramophone audio amplifiers. The insides of all Telavox clock cases actually smell just like old radios.

Telavox had a long history of using very high quality veneers to finish their wood and plywood cabinets for their pre-war consumer electronics. This finishing method continued with most of their clock cases. The wide variety of superb wood veneers can be seen throughout this blog.

Some wall-hanging models were manufactured but the majority of Telavox clocks seem to follow the popular style of mantel clocks in a variety of styles. Though the quality of Telavox cases is often very much higher than mass produced, wind up clocks. The styling , though obviously a matter of personal taste, is often more refined than the more common spring driven clocks too.

Analysis of case design against case serial number suggests an evolution of case style over time. With earlier models no longer produced once newer models were introduced. (this case chronology has yet to be confirmed and is  based on a very small sample of those available)

Click on any image for an enlarged view. Back click to return to the text.

Variations on a theme

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Here is an unusual Telavox clock. The Model 5060.

The dial, case and glass are all quite unlike the usual designs from this manufacturer. One might think from the serial number that this was a later clock yet it shows all the hallmarks of an early one. A lavish case with a simple going movement? No strike on bells or gongs? More than one of these clocks must exist because there is an illustration of this clock in a popular British clock collectors book.

Here is a rear view showing the going movement in close-up. Comparison with the other images shows a bright red coil on the right in place of the electric strike/rewind motor. The torsion pendulum can be seen with its suspension spring passing right through the movement.









All Telavox clocks were supplied with a shaped piece of card to support the torsion pendulum balance when the clock was being moved around. Despite the absence of a single example of this piece of card not one of my clocks has suffered obvious damage to the pendulum, movement or suspension spring. Some cases show obvious mishandling since they were no longer in daily use yet all movements have survived unscathed. This would suggest that these clocks were remarkably robust in use.

The card says in Old Danish: Security for the suspension spring. Remove before setting the clock going. Replace (under the balance) every time the clock is to be moved.

Click on any image for an enlargement.

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Opposite extremes of case size and form

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Here is an example of a large, wall-hanging Telavox with striking on a bell. The hinged rear door has been removed to show the movement.

Note the Telavox serial number label at the top of the back of the case. All Telavox clocks have their own serial numbers. As do the movements.

The white battery leads are seen hanging down from the simple electric motor which drives the strike and rewinds the going spring. These wires look like a later replacement. Some of the early clocks show signs of deterioration of the rubber insulation on the original battery wires.

In such a large case there seems to be plenty of room for the movement. Yet exactly the same movement has to fit into this Bakelite drum clock case seen below.







Here is a front view of the typical Telavox dial and hands used on most of their clocks.

Below can be seen the rear of the case. Many Telavox clocks have a round steel backplate which can be easily removed by slight rotation. The keyhole screw-holes in the back plate allow easy removal without tools. Two small protruding knobs (provided for this purpose) are used to gain leverage. Note the strike silencing lever at 9 o' clock. (this is only found here on bell strike models)

This backplate is deeper than most and probably unique to the Bakelite drum models. The wooden case models have a much flatter backplate. Earlier wooden case models had a variety of fibre backplates more typical of old radios. Note the cloth covering the sounding holes to allow the bell strike to be heard clearly.
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Wide, wider or widest?

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Wide? At one point Telavox produced some very wide mantle clock cases indeed but this is a more modest example. This is the only white chapter ring I have seen so far. I think it gives the clock a rather crisp and modern appearance compared with the majority of more subdued Telavox dials. The dial appears clearer here than some of my other photos simply because the glass was removed before I obtained this clock. Probably because it was broken. A new dial glass could be obtained through clock repairers suppliers.

It is very difficult to photograph clocks with domed glass over the dials. My trick is to photograph in a light place with a large black cloth behind the camera. Even so a slanted viewpoint seems essential to avoid annoying reflections of the camera on its tripod. I learnt years ago not to stand behind the camera to avoid seeing myself reflected in the glass on my photographs. Flash is best avoided and most of my dial images are taken with available light.



















Wider? I call this style wide, stepped, square toe. The plain dials seem to indicate early clocks. This clock has a low serial number and strikes on a bell. The battery compartment underneath has been rubber stamped with a date of 1944. I have now obtained a dark wood case with plain brass dial date stamped 1945. Unfortunately it is a quartz conversion. Sadly very few Telavoxes are visibly date stamped.

Or widest? This is the very wide, round toe in the database. Here is an example of a very wide Telavox with a black chapter ring. The reflective brass numerals are causing problems for the camera.

Despite the wide case the bold Telavox dial and its generous size gives the clock a nicely balanced appearance. The very ends of the case are vertically ribbed with matching hardwood. The curly grained veneer on this clock case is superb.

Click on any image for a larger version. Back click to return to the blog.
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A going movement that wont go!

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Click on any image for an enlarged version. Back click to return to the text.

Here is my earliest movement by serial number. No. 00562. I have labelled the movement's main parts and hope this will be clearly legible if you left click on the image. Back-click to return to the text.

Note the absence of a strike motor on the right. Instead of which a large electromagnet is fitted . This is one of only two non-striking clocks in my possession. The electromagnet rocks the small, oval fibre piece which I have labelled actuator. The actuator is fixed to the pivot of a rocking stator hidden out of sight between the movement plates.

As it rocks the actuator carries out two important tasks. It lifts the impulse arm which has the pendulum impulse pallet on the hook-shaped portion at its end. The impulse arm normally rests in the teeth of the 60 tooth fibre ratchet wheel. The impulse pallet pushes on a pin fixed near the top of the torsion spring. The impulse pin faces backwards. The depth of engagement is controlled by the flat metal piece which I have labelled as "Stop". The impulse pin banks on this stop as it rotates to the right. The impulse pallet has a little bump formed on the slope of the hook. As the impulse pallet rises and falls the bump gives the impulse pin a push. This maintains the torsion pendulum in oscillating rotary motion.

The actuator also steps the 60 tooth ratchet wheel forwards. The pinion of 4 leaves rotates the brass wheel immediately below it and eventually drives the clock hands via further wheels and pinions.

On my only other non-striking Telavox the application of a 4.5 Volt battery quickly stops the pendulum from rotating backwards and forwards! My hope is that the earlier movement can be made to run in order to discover the fault with the later example.

I was very disappointed to discover that a Telavox Repair Handbook listed online by the Danish Antiquarian bookshops had been sold or lost! Several decades of clock repair and collecting have not helped to fathom out the reason why this this clock refuses to run! The action seems very sensitive to the position of the Stop. Without a working example it is difficult to judge what the settings should be.


This older movement seems to have been attacked at some time in its history with a blunt screwdriver. Most of the visible screw heads show some damage.

This particular movement has also suffered from the breakdown of the battery lead rubber insulation. This has hardened and crumbled exposing the bare wires to shorting. This seems to have been a problem on some Telavox clocks as they clearly have non-original, much later battery leads. I have now replaced the damaged leads in an attempt to get the older movement to run.
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Dials, hands and paintwork.

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Here is my earliest Telavox from the front. The non-striking movement can be seen above in a previous chapter.

The hands are typically Telavox but here the chapter ring is deeply engraved or cast into the solid sheet metal. The Arabic numerals and minute ring graduations are deeply cut.

Later Telavox chapter rings are painted (or more likely printed) and have no depth despite appearances.

Unfortunately, the unusual, square, domed glass is missing from the dial of this clock. My hope is to find another example like this to ensure a replacement glass matches the original.

The case veneer is in rather poor condition. The veneer must have been steamed to wrap round the tight curves of the side of the case. Subsequent dampness, heat or probably dry air from central heating has resulted in some cracking. This is repairable of course. Wood glue could be injected with a syringe through the cracks then the whole bound tightly with rubber bands while the glue dries.

Here is the dial of the large rectangular Telavox previously shown only from the rear. The style of the hands is unique to this clock in my modest collection.

There is some dirt and cobwebs behind the dial. Which could be cleaned up by removal of the dial sheet towards the back of the clock. Photography was very difficult. Trying to get enough light to do the clock justice while avoiding reflections was a bit of a nightmare.

This clock strikes on a small, highly polished bell with a pleasant, clear tone. Slots in the case back are covered with the same type of coarse cloth common to most Telavox clocks. This allows the striking to be heard clearly in the room. In earlier times, when traffic noise levels were much lower than today's hectic world, a striking clock could probably be heard clearly throughout the house.

And now for something completely different. This is an example of a Telavox with a large case that has been painted. These particular colours were once popular for painting furniture of all kinds in Denmark. I have an unpainted example of this case style. I'm not sure I don't prefer the painted version to the large area of original, very dark brown veneer. The painting was certainly very well done. The question remains whether this was a short-lived fashion and when it took place. Changing tastes and changing fashions can be difficult to judge from our own perspective.


And now for something completely different. This is an example of a Telavox with a large case that has been painted. These particular colours were once popular for painting furniture of all kinds in Denmark. I have an unpainted example of this case style. I'm not sure I don't prefer the painted version to the large area of original, very dark brown veneer. The painting was certainly very well done. The question remains whether this was a short-lived fashion and when it took place. Changing tastes and changing fashions can be difficult to judge from our own perspective.
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Telavox Database Appeal

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I am building a database of information concerning Telavox clocks and the later Clementas.

If anyone has a Telavox clock of any type (in any condition) please forward some details to the (new) email address below.

private (at) privat.dk (note the spelling)

(Remove the spaces and use the usual @ symbol for "at")

Please forward the following information:

The Telavox case number (on attached metal label) and the movement number impressed into the movement plate.

Whether the clock strikes on a bell or gongs. (and how many hammers and gongs) Or if it is a non-striking movement. This all helps to build a history of Telavox clocks in the database below.

If you can find a date stamped anywhere on, or usually inside, the clock it would be very helpful to aid dating many more Telavox clocks. Some date stamps are even found in the battery compartment.

Please include information on dial type, colour of dial, whether Arabic or Roman numerals and hand style if non-standard.

An image attachment (of any size) to confirm case and dial type would be very useful, if possible. No image will ever be published without your express consent and I will always hide personal details.

Provided the clock is recognisable all Telavox images are useful. Even those taken with a mobile phone or webcam still shot. Lots of light helps to get a good picture so try photographing your clock near a large window or even out of doors. Sometimes an overcast sky is better than bright sunlight. Please don't drop your clock or damage it trying to get a good picture! Please be very careful when handling your clock or carrying it about. I cannot accept responsibility for any damage however caused.

Naturally your privacy and anonymity are guaranteed. No information will ever be published which could connect you in any way to your own Telavox clock or clocks. Ownership will NOT and never will be part of the database. In fact I keep no record of ownership at all. Not even your email address. 

Any size of Telavox image is perfectly acceptable. There is no need to compress or resize images before you attach them unless you wish to do so for your own purposes.

Naturally the details of your Telavox clock (even without an image) are also perfectly acceptable. Some descriptive guide to case style would of course be useful. There may be a similar example illustrated within this blog to help guide you in describing the case.

The database will be published here and can then be constantly updated as new information arrives.

Thankyou for your interest in sharing information on Telavox clocks.

Please note: I'm sorry, but I cannot offer valuations of Telavox clocks. Prices vary so widely depending on vendor, model, age, style, condition, originality, dial and desirability that it is quite impossible to give even a rough valuation. No clock is ever worth more than a buyer will pay for it. Even the cost of international postage can exceed the value of some clocks so eBay may not be the goldmine you hoped for.

Nor can I offer advice in repairing non-working Telavox clocks. A local qualified clock repairer may be able to advise. Please don't let them fit a cheap quartz replacement movement just because they don't understand the unique design of a Telavox clock! Your clock may simply require a new 4.5Volt battery. These batteries are not so readily available as previously. I find flea-markets sometimes stock them.

Allowing the clock to strike several times rewinds a Telavox clock. Just advance the hands slowly past the hour and half hour. Then pause and allow the clock to strike fully each time before continuing on to the next striking point. It really is as simple as that.

PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN HANDING YOUR TELAVOX CLOCK TO AVOID DAMAGE.
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Case styles galore!.

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Telavox produced a whole range of case styles over the years. Here, the solid wood base is nicely reeded to add a touch of extra quality. Note the small, decoratively-carved, wooden brackets at the junction between foot and dial. I am calling this case style "Art Deco". The dial also has black Roman numerals printed onto lacquered brass. The hands are absolutely typical black finished Telavox.






Here is a much more sombre version of the same style. Now the instantly recognisable Telavox chapter ring is black with the lacquered brass of the Arabic numerals showing through where they catch the light. It is much easier to read the dial than it first appears. The needs of photography forced a slanting viewpoint with a dark reflection from a large black cloth in the background behind the camera. The hands are now brass finished rather than the more usual black.

Now we have a Telavox clock with gently curved shoulders. It has some slight damage to the veneer. Brass chapter ring with black Roman numerals similar to the first clock illustrated above. Black hands with a black Telavox signature on the dial. The signature remains unchanged on all Telavox clocks I have seen. The name is most probably related to their much earlier radio production.

 The alter-ego of the same round shouldered case style. Now with dark chapter ring, Arabic numerals and strikingly different wood veneer. The hawk-eyed amongst you who left-clicked on these last two images (and no doubt others) will note the lack of dusting before the photography took place!

Click on any image for an enlargement.

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Jørgensen's Telavox Clock

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I have now obtained a copy of the Telavox 50th Anniversary booklet written by Dr.tecn. Peter Ørn (pronounced "Urn") This small 20 p.page A5 booklet celebrates Telavox loudspeaker production but offers very little information about Telavox clock production.

The booklet was provided with a limited edition copy of an earlier Telavox loudspeaker. The booklet contains a short history of Telavox and has small black and white illustrations of the factory, staff and Telavox' products. (but no clocks) It is written in Danish.


Ørn does mention that in WW2 production of radios had dried up. Whether this was because they were specifically forbidden by the German occupiers is difficult to judge. Later research suggests that radio valves became unavailable during the German occupation.

Fortunately, Jørgensen, who was the director of Telavox at the time, came up with a unique clock design with some advanced features. These movements would be built into a variety of high quality cases produced at their existing radio/loudspeaker factory in Vanløse. The factory had a staff of 250 at this point and the need to keep them occupied must have been a serious concern for the Telavox management.

Jørgensen's clock proved to be an accurate timekeeper thanks to details like a bi-metallic balance on the torsion pendulum. Ørn claims the Telavox clock was twenty times as accurate as clocks made by competitors. The regular, short rewind period of a small driving spring by the striking movements could be described as a rementoir. This design maintains a much steadier torque on the going movement than a typical spring-driven clock which runs for a week.

Ørn states that 150,000 Telavox clocks were manufactured from 1944-1952. These had 4 different movements and ten types of case. More than I have seen so far in my quest for examples to collect or photograph.

Jørgensen retired in 1952 whereupon Telavox production was split off between radio production and clocks. Telavox clock production was sold to Clementa. (presumably in 1952) Ørn goes on to say that clock production was still underway using the Clementa name in 1977 as the Anniversary booklet went to press.


Here is my only example of a Clementa in a wooden case. Tragically it has been converted to a quartz movement. Though the case shows all the signs of having originally had a Telavox-type of movement.

The dial has a hinged bezel. All Telavox clocks which I have seen to-date have fixed bezels with hand adjustment from the rear. In the picture below I have opened the bezel to better show the Clementa signature.



Note that the centre of the dial has been veneered. This is not a feature of any Telavox Clock that I have seen so far. It might be said that the dark hands and dark veneer do not make it easy to read the time in poor light.

Lovely wood veneer

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Here's an original natural wood version of the blue and red painted example. It needs a really good polish to revive the finish and to help to hide the scratches that it has accumulated since becoming "unloved". This once popular case style can be found in spring driven clocks in antique markets by German makers. Though these clocks are easily recognised by the winding holes in their dials. The Telavox can always be recognised by the lack of winding holes and the unique style of hands.






 Here is a picture of a rather more handsome example kindly sent to me by its proud owner. It is date stamped May 1951 inside the case and strikes on four gongs.

This style offers even more area for the veneer artist to show off his skills and the wide variety of exotic wood grains used by the Telavox craftsmen over the years. This is the only example I have found so far with this very wide and tall case. The dark veneer is rather difficult to capture with the camera It is certainly impressive in terms of sheer size. On a suitable mantelpiece or sideboard it must once have been the pride and joy of the owner. Sadly some decorative mouldings are now missing.



This is the standard notice attached to Telavox clocks suitable for wall hanging. It goes into great detail regarding fixing to plaster or wooden walls. It is written in Danish.

More importantly, but not even mentioned on the label, is that Telavox clocks should be allowed to strike many times by advancing the hands around the dial whenever a new 4.5 Volt battery is inserted. This action rewinds the going spring and allows the clock to run reliably. Without knowing this it must have puzzled some collectors of Telavox clocks why their clock would not run for very long. With each new battery replacement the clock must be allowed to strike several times around the dial before being restarted. This requires great patience but the owner will usually be rewarded with reliable timekeeping.


Note that Telavox clocks strike a single blow on the half hour as well as counting the hours normally when striking on the hour. The striking Telavox movement is a very quiet clock when going and lacks the loud ticking common to spring driven clocks of this period. The strike can be silenced by moving a lever on the backplate or underneath the case. This lever lifts the single hammer in the case of a bell strike. Or lifts all the hammers simultaneously in the case of hammer and gong striking.

The strike train must be allowed to run even when silenced or the clock will not be regularly rewound and the clock will soon stop.
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Telavox production

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Here is a scan of one page of a 1977 booklet celebrating the 50th Jubilee of an earlier Model A loudspeaker. Naturally it is written in Danish. I have paraphrased the contents as follows:

It discusses that radio valves had became unavailable during WW2. At that time Telavox employed 250 people. Telavox had been well known for many years for their high quality workmanship and had produced cabinets for Philips (in 1930) amongst other manufacturers.

Jørensen (the ø is pronounced rather like the U in urn) the then director of Telavox used a bimetallic balance on his Telavox clock design to avoid temperature variations in its timekeeping. The booklet claims that the Telavox clock was twenty times more accurate than competitors. It does not mention which competitors. Perhaps they simply mean all clockwork mantel clocks?

From 1944 to 1952 Telavox manufactured 150,000 clocks with ten different case designs and four types of movement in Vanløse. Jørensen retired in 1952 and sold the business. At which time clock production was split off from radio manufacturing. Those interested in the electronics side of the business may like to browse for images of Telavox. There are a number of websites showing Telavox' domestic electronics products in the hands of private collectors.

Jørensen was obviously a far sighted and clever inventor. He designed and built a wind turbine which he placed on the factory roof. He hoped manufacture of turbines might be a future source of income and employment for his factory workers. The wind turbine produced electricity for many years and had a 10kW maximum output. Ironically Denmark now has the highest proportion of wind produced power than any other country and exports wind turbines all over the world.

Click for larger image. Back-click to return to the text.

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DATABASE:

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A database of all Telavox and Clementa clocks which I have been able to examine, own myself, or have had the information forwarded to me by owners.

Not all clock details are always available. I sometimes find cases I am unwilling to buy at the asking price with a Quartz movement fitted.  Qrtz in the list simply means that a cheap, modern, quartz, battery driven, plastic replacement movement has been fitted to the clock in place of the original torsion pendulum movement.

Then there are clocks in poor condition which are ludicrously overpriced for the Danish market. I was once offered a number of bare Telavox movements by one dealer. He expected double the price for each movement I normally pay for a complete Telavox clock in fine condition! Tempting as it might be to have spare movements for empty cases I was hardly going to pay his silly prices. I was then accused, in a shop full of people, of being too poor to afford them! Unfortunately for him this particular fool is not so easily parted from his money.  Particularly for bare movements of unknown history.

Formatting of the database is a bit of a nightmare but will hopefully improve over time. (Try reloading the page if the list appears untidy) On one computer which I tried the movement number and striking were folded over to a new line. On other computers there is only one line per clock. Both my home computers show the details of only one clock per line without overlap. Your mileage may vary.

The order I have chosen to use is based entirely on case number. All Telavox clocks have a small, metal, numbered label attached. (usually out of sight underneath but sometimes on the back of the case) The visible (rear) clock movement plate always has another number hot-impressed into the fibre. One sharp-sighted owner pointed out that there are sometimes very small numbers and letters engraved on the back plate too. Though this is not commonplace and may be limited to a specific period of manufacture. Or even a specific clock.

The very few dated Telavox clocks found so far have what appears to be a common rubber datestamp marking inside the wooden case. I have shown these dates in bold type in the list to make them easy to find. These dates may help to aid (very rough) dating of your own Telavox clocks. Try matching the nearest case number or movement number to a dated example.

If you wish to have your own Telavox or Clementa clock details added to this list please email me at chris.b (at) nypost.dk. *Note the new email address* The old one was recently deleted when I changed accounts with my ISP. Please feel free to write in English or Danish. My written Danish is not very good but I understand written Danish well enough.

No information will ever be published which can possibly trace the owner of a clock. In fact I make no record of owner's details. Not even their email address. So once an email falls automatically off the bottom of my email folder (as it fills up) I cannot contact any clock owner even by their email address.

All information on Telavox clocks is of great value to help to expand the database. If you can find a datestamp internally then please include this with your clock details. Images of all Telavox or Clementa clocks are always very welcome. Any size of image attachment to an email is acceptable. I can't promise to use any image here unless the clock is particularly interesting. Though images do ensure there is no doubt as to case and dial style.

A bold number followed by an "a" in the following list means information was forwarded from a Telavox owner in response to my online appeal. (e.g. 5a) See email contact address above.

Abbreviations: Non S = Non Striking. HG= Number of Hammers and Gongs.

Dial details below are numeral style first, then colour, followed by chapter ring colour.

Case No.----Dial----------Case type-------Movt. No.---Strike

1--1578S----Blk on Gold----Bakelite drum----S01132-----Bell

2--1743s-----Gold on Blk---Bakelite drum----S01189-------Bell

3--2885s----Gold/blk--------Bakelite drum----S07622-------Bell

4a-3264s ---Gold/black-----Bakelite drum------------------------

5--3302-----Gold/blk-------Bakelite drum-----S12603-------Bell

6a--4324--Silver chapter ring-- small square wooden case---------

7--4352 S---Gold/Blk-------Narrow curved foot--S00642---4HG

8a-4511S---Gld Rom.Blk---Narrow curved foot--------------Qrtz

9--4548S --Gld.Rom Blk---Narrow curved foot---S01432---3HG

10a-4797---Gilt picture frame-------------------------------------- 

11--4818-----Silver chapter ring--early square----00562 --Non Striking

12--548S----Blk Rom. gold--narrow curved foot....S01432--- 3HG

13a-5040---Silv. chapt. Early square---S34956--- 13.5.45 ---Bell

14a-5604S---Blk/Gold----Narrow curved foot--S03188-----3HG

15a-6374S--Arabic/Gold---Narrow curved foot--S13401----3HG

16--7780----Gold/Blk------V. wide sq. foot------S 26948-----Bell

17-8427S---Gold/Black--Art deco --S 09363--1 Jan 1948---Bell

18a-8797S--Gold/Black--Art Deco- S10645--24May 1948--Bell

19-9562S---Blk/Gold-------Art deco carved foot

20a-10801S-Gold/Blk-Narrw-Sq ft-S65085-19 DEC 1947 3HG

21-111615---Gold /Blk-----Narrow sq. foot----S 07932-----3HG

22-12994 S--Cream/Blk----Narrow sq. foot----S 15724-----3HG

23-12997 S---Cream/Blk--Narrow sq. foot------S 15670----3HG

24-13178 S----------------Very wide round toe

25-13978 S---Black/Gold--V. wide round toe---S 06767

26-14226 S----------------V. wide round toe

27-14288 S----------------V. wide round toe

28-14716S----Blk Rom---V.Wide rnd toe-S08363-4HG

29-15085 S---Black/Gold--V. wide round toe--S 08423

30a-16051S------?-------Bakelite drum--- 15953--- bell.

31-16662 Qtz. Gold/Blk----Narrow square foot--Quartz

32-18058 S----------------Narrow curved foot

33-18456---Silvered arched dial & case-10335-14 SEP 1945

34-19173s--Blk/Gold-Nrw curved foot-S 18780-2 FEB 1949

35a-20020--Blk/Gold-----Narrow square foot---S15067

36a-20479S-Blk/Crm--Nrw Sq Ft.-S16210-3H/G 28 OKT 1948

37a-20531--Blk/Gold---M/W Box in USA-10747- 22/8/1945

38-22430---Gold/Black---Narrow sq. ft.- Mains movement.

39-22575S-----------------Very wide round toe

40a- 23596---brass---Very wide square toe--10 Aug 1945


41--23750-- Very wide, sqr toe------Qrtz.-- 6 Sept 1945

42a- 24138S-- S 15365--- Pretty mantle clock bell strike

43a--24612-Blk/Gld---V.wide stepped sq.--13345-Non/S

44a-24987S- Decorative-Pretty mantle-eBay--S20340-bell


45-25009S---White/blk-Wall, tall rectangular--S 1699-Bell

46-25739------------------Very wide square foot-----Bell

47-28474S-----------------Medium wide tall

48-28655S---------------- Painted Blue/Red-----------4HG

49-28680S------Medium wide & tall--24227----4HG

50a-29547S-----Medium wide & tall--S27625--4 HG

51a- 29922 -----Chromed wall dial
 
52-32831S---------------Clementa Hinged bezel----Qrtz

53--37134S-Clementa-Chrome Wall Dial-37134- Non-S.

54--38020S--Clementa--Chrome Plated Wall Dial---Qrtz

55-45094 S(?)-Medium wide, tall- S29957-20 DEC 1951

By sheer coincidence, No1 on the list was the very first Telavox clock I ever found. The dial bezel was already damaged and the brass work seemed to have been attacked by salty air or possibly a corrosive atmosphere. Rather sad, considering it is the oldest Telavox clock in my modest collection and first ignited my interest in Telavox as a clock manufacturer. This clock came from a coastal town with a prevailing, onshore wind. So that may be the reason for the dilapidation of its exposed metalwork. Perhaps it had been left in an open or unprotected situation?

The last clock on the list has a very high serial number indeed but has a Telavox case rather than the expected Clementa. Yet the movement number is earlier than the one remaining Clementa with an original movement.

It is a shame that the dated clocks are so relatively few. There are also some obvious anomalies where the date doesn't quite seem to match the serial numbers. If anyone has any real clues as to the reason for such occasional date stamping I'd be delighted to hear about it.

The small, but growing, number of clocks in the database is hardly representative of the many thousands actually manufactured. Though the list must be fairly indicative of the evolution of case style and numbering, over time, though surprises do crop up now and then.

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Bells, hammers and gongs

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Striking Telavox clocks use the rack and snail strike mechanism common to millions of other clocks of many styles and ages. Though the Telavox is rather unique in having an electric motor to run the entire strike. The Telavox motor also rewinds the small, going spring at the same time as it drives the strike. Most other clocks use weights or springs to lift the rack back up and to lift the hammer(s) so that they fall onto a bell or gongs.

A recent email from a Telavox owner raised the question of unreliability of striking exactly 12 blows at 12 o'clock. Only then did I realise that I had not described or illustrated the Telavox strike here in any detail.

 Here is a general view of the striking side of the Telavox movement. It is not normally seen because it is hidden behind the dial. Here the rack is fully lifted to its rest position. The rack hook is safely tucked under the toe of the rack. The strike is started by the rack hook being lifted by a lever on the other (more visible) side of the movement. When the rack hook lifts the rack falls freely until its toe rests on a particular step of the snail. The heights of the steps on the snail are calculated to provide a fixed number of teeth to be lifted by the gathering pallet. Which also counts the number of blows needed to be struck on that particular hour.

Access to this area is rather difficult on the Telavox. It involves removing the decorative outer bezel, the dial glass, the hands and finally the dial and chapter ring.  The inner sight ring can remain screwed to the case. The outer bezel is a thin, brass pressing which is pushed onto the concealed, inner ring. Removal requires considerable care not to mark or distort the very thin metal of the bezel or cause damage to the fine veneers of the casework. One must also take great care not to break or drop the dial glass. I already had a Telavox clock which was bought cheaply with a broken glass. So I had the perfect opportunity to explore the dial construction without fear of breaking the original, convex glass. I used a 1/2" (12mm) wood chisel to lift the outer bezel by working all the way around and lifting carefully a little at a time.

Once the fragile glass and bezel are set safely aside the clock hands must also be removed before the dial is free to lift off. The chapter ring rests on the metal dial and may held in place by the inner bezel ring. (depending on the model) The bright colour of the frosted brass dial hidden by the chapter ring may be quite a surprise! Do not start cleaning anything without expert skills! The Telavox chapter rings are usually only printed (or painted) and cleaning will rapidly remove the figures! As will cleaning the dial centre rapidly remove the printed Telavox signature. I have one such clock myself.

                            
 A closer view of the striking mechanism with the rack having fallen to its lowest point at 12 o'clock. When the strike motor runs, a forward facing pin on the gathering pallet lifts the rack back up again one tooth at a time. The rack hook lifts slightly and then engages with each rack tooth ensuring it cannot fall back again.  Finally, when all the rack teeth have been lifted, the rack hook drops below the toe of the rack and the striking stops.

Note the three rubber bushes where the Telavox movement is held in place in the clock case. The screws which pas through these bushes are only accessible once the dial and glass are removed.

The other side of the movement of another Telavox.  Labelled to show the parts involved in the strike release.

 This is a close-up of the four hammers of a Telavox movement striking the hours and half hours on rod gongs. The levers activated by the movement lift two hammers each via two wires. A two-tone pair of simple two note chords is struck consecutively: Known as a "Bim-bam" strike.

The strike silencing plate, operated by a lever underneath the case, lowers onto the gongs but leaves the hammers free to rise and fall. If the hammers were restrained the clock would not strike, the clock would not be rewound and the clock would stop.

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A Clementa Wall Dial

Here are some images of a chrome-plated steel, Clementa wall dial. Though the case has been converted to a cheap quartz movement it shows all the signs of having once had a Telavox type of movement. The correctly placed screw holes and 4.5 Volt battery retainer are all present. The Clementa label shows 38020S. A far higher number than any of my other Telavox clock movements. I like the crisp dial. What a shame the butcher who converted this dial to a cheap quartz movement was too lazy to adpat the original Telavox hands. (not a difficult task). The plain hands are much inferior to the Telavox hands but are easier to read in poor light.

Note: I can now confirm that this clock should have a Telavox type of movement as a Danish visitor to the blog contacted me to say he has exactly the same clock in his shop.















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Batteries old and new

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A number of non-striking clocks in my modest collection had a space cut out in the case for a much larger than normal battery. All Telavox striking clocks seem to require a standard 4.5Volts flat style of battery whether they strike on a bell or gongs.

Finally I have found a clock with an original large battery still in place! It turned out to be a very large, two-cell, 3 Volt battery with a socket in the top for a two-pin fibre plug. An image appears below showing the large battery beside two of the normal 4.5Volt batteries.

The view of the top of the 3V battery showing the little fibre plug. The larger pin is clearly marked with a + in the fibre plate. The clock leads are normally soldered into the brass pins but were removed to allow new leads to be connected more easily to another power supply. (The old battery shown here is flat and the original clock leads were badly perished)

A collection of 4.5V batteries. Many of which are now flat and need to be disposed of. The larger 3V battery used in non-striking Telavox clocks is on the left.

Click on any image for an enlargement.

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Telavox Programmable Timer

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I have been contacted by the owner of a remarkable Telavox device. The movement is a very early, non-striking, Telavox movement No.00304. This is the lowest movement serial number found to date!
The hands and early dial (without chapter ring) are typically Telavox as is the case. Even the Bakelite hand-setting knob on the back is clearly marked Telavox.
















































































Some images follow of the Telavox time switch clock from an article in the Danish "Clockmaker" of October 1944:  Apparently it used gold contacts and switched heavier currents via a relay. It used the non-striking 3Volt movement.  Telavox refer to this device as a switch clock. Literally: Kontaktur.

A later chapter shows two more time switch clocks.

Click on any image for an enlargement.

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