Interior Clocks
A major step in the history of timekeeping was the invention of the pendulum by Galileo Galilei. Pendulums made clocks much more accurate. The first pendulum clock was built in 1657 by Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens.
After this, interior clocks became common. These were clocks placed on the floor, hung on walls, or put on mantelshelf.
Wall Clock by «Kienzle». Germany, early 20th century.
From the collection of the National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus
The clock is labeled «Le Roi à Paris» («King in Paris»). It is a mechanical spring-wound clock with an enamel dial. It was made by German company Kienzle.
In 1822, German clockmaker Johannes Schlenker opened a workshop in the town Scheveningen. At first, the factory produced traditional «Black Forest clocks» («cuckoo clocks»). Over time, it expanded its product line.
In 1883, Jacob Kienzle became a partner in the Schlenker family business. By 1897, he became the sole owner. The company continued to grow and modernize. In the early 20th century, «Schlenker & Kienzle» made not only wristwatches, but also kitchen, table, travel, pocket, and wall clocks – including models made specially for women.
From 1910, the factory started producing car clocks. Their customers included major carmakers like Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, Daimler, BMW, Volvo and Opel. Today, Kienzle focuses mainly on wristwatches.
After this, interior clocks became common. These were clocks placed on the floor, hung on walls, or put on mantelshelf.
Wall Clock by «Kienzle». Germany, early 20th century.
From the collection of the National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus
The clock is labeled «Le Roi à Paris» («King in Paris»). It is a mechanical spring-wound clock with an enamel dial. It was made by German company Kienzle.
In 1822, German clockmaker Johannes Schlenker opened a workshop in the town Scheveningen. At first, the factory produced traditional «Black Forest clocks» («cuckoo clocks»). Over time, it expanded its product line.
In 1883, Jacob Kienzle became a partner in the Schlenker family business. By 1897, he became the sole owner. The company continued to grow and modernize. In the early 20th century, «Schlenker & Kienzle» made not only wristwatches, but also kitchen, table, travel, pocket, and wall clocks – including models made specially for women.
From 1910, the factory started producing car clocks. Their customers included major carmakers like Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, Daimler, BMW, Volvo and Opel. Today, Kienzle focuses mainly on wristwatches.
