Introduction

Abstract

This book is mostly about British domestic synchronous clocks made in the period 1930-1980, and their manufacturers. Here, British means a clock made in the UK for use on a UK mains supply (200-250 V, 50 Hz). Domestic means a portable clock with an analogue display suitable for use in a domestic setting. This introductory chapter has a wide scope, including the historical background to synchronous clocks, the AC mains supply, and user experience. It sets the scene for the main text in Part I (Chaps. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6). British synchronous clock manufacturers and their brands are described in Chap. 2. How a synchronous clock works is explained in Chap. 3. Chapter 4 is an analysis of synchronous clock case types and styles. Chapter 5 gives general advice on the servicing of synchronous clocks. Part I ends with Chap. 6. This is an analysis of the marketing and reliability of synchronous clocks. It leads to an explanation of the rise and fall of synchronous clock technology. Part II is an organised database on British domestic synchronous clocks. Chapters 7, 8, 9, and 10 are galleries of mantel, bedside, wall, and granddaughter synchronous clocks respectively. There are back and front views of each clock, together with a brief description. Chapter 11 is a gallery of synchronous movements. It includes views of movements partly dismantled. There is a technical description of each movement.