Desk clock - Seiko セイコー LP-214 – 1970s Japanese Space Age...

SEIKO セイコー LP-214 – JAPANESE SPACE AGE TRANSISTOR ALARM CLOCK – 1970s – YELLOW POP ART DESIGN – ORIGINAL BOX & INSTRUCTIONS A DISTINCTIVE EXAMPLE OF 1970s JAPANESE SPACE AGE DESIGN An eye-catching original Seiko LP-214 transistor alarm clock, manufactured in Japan during the 1970s, featuring a vibrant yellow sculptural casing, a contrasting black dial, luminous details and an original buzzer alarm. This particularly attractive example is accompanied by its original Seiko retail box and instruction leaflet, an appealing addition for collectors of Japanese vintage clocks and Space Age design. The clock has been tested, is fully operational and keeps time. DESIGN – SCULPTURAL GEOMETRY & RETRO FUTURISM The Seiko LP-214 beautifully represents the experimental design language of the 1970s, a period when everyday objects were transformed into colourful, futuristic decorative pieces. Its most distinctive feature is the horizontally elongated cylindrical body, characterised by smooth, continuous curves and rounded ends. Unlike conventional rectangular bedside alarm clocks, the LP-214 adopts a sculptural, almost capsule-shaped silhouette, with a recessed oval front opening that emphasises the depth of the dial. The bright yellow moulded plastic housing creates a particularly attractive contrast with the glossy black clock face. The dial itself features: A circular yellow minute track composed of individual rectangular markers. A large luminous numeral 12 at the top. White hour and minute hands with luminous tips. A slender central seconds hand. Small luminous hour markers. Original SEIKO branding. The TRANSISTOR inscription at the bottom. An elegant transparent protective front cover with a decorative metallic-effect surround. Two fine horizontal lines extending across the black dial reinforce its geometric composition, while the circular minute track contrasts with the surrounding oval opening. The resulting design combines Space Age, Pop Art and Retro Futurist influences, making this clock as interesting as a decorative object as it is as a functional timepiece. Its compact proportions make it particularly suitable for a bedside table, desk, bookshelf or a carefully curated vintage interior. BEAUTIFUL NIGHT-TIME LUMINESCENCE One of the most attractive characteristics of this Seiko LP-214 is its original luminous dial. The large numeral 12, the small hour markers and the luminous sections of the hands produce a pleasant greenish glow after exposure to light. In low-light conditions, these details create a beautiful visual effect against the black dial, enhancing the futuristic appearance of the clock. The luminosity is photoluminescent rather than electrically illuminated: the luminous material absorbs light and subsequently releases it gradually in darkness. As with vintage luminous materials, brightness and duration depend on previous exposure to light and naturally decrease over time. The photographs illustrate this particularly attractive feature. ORIGINAL JAPANESE TRANSISTOR MOVEMENT The clock is fitted with its original Japanese transistor-controlled movement. The internal mechanism bears the markings JAPAN, confirming its Japanese manufacture, together with an adjustable timekeeping regulator. Unlike conventional mains-powered synchronous clocks, this type of transistor-controlled movement uses an electronic drive system to maintain the movement of its timekeeping mechanism. An interesting technical feature is the internal fine regulation system, marked: + / − This adjustment allows the running rate to be corrected when necessary. The mechanism also features the marking: d = 1 min / 24 h This is a technical marking relating to daily timekeeping variation and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of the clock's present accuracy. The photographs include detailed views of the original movement, adjustment system and internal construction. ALARM FUNCTION – ORIGINAL BUZZER The LP-214 is equipped with an original buzzer alarm, a characteristic feature of Seiko's vintage transistor alarm clocks. The alarm mechanism and its controls are integrated into the compact housing, preserving the clean external appearance of the design. The clock has been tested and the buzzer alarm is operational. TESTED & WORKING – FUNCTIONAL VIDEO The Seiko LP-214 has been tested and is in working condition. Clock movement: Working. Timekeeping: Tested and keeps time. Seconds hand: Working. Alarm buzzer: Working. Time adjustment: Functional. Internal timekeeping regulator: Present. Luminous dial details: Visible after exposure to light. A video showing the actual clock and its operation is available at the following link: https://youtu.be/FDUKxtUfimg The video forms an important part of the presentation of this vintage timepiece. CONDITION – ORIGINAL VINTAGE EXAMPLE The clock is presented in attractive original vintage condition, retaining its characteristic bright yellow casing, black dial and original mechanical and electronic components. There are minor signs of age, handling and use consistent with a vintage object dating from the 1970s. For complete transparency, two small imperfections should be noted: 1. Upper casing retaining tab One small plastic retaining tab on the upper part of the housing is missing. Nevertheless, the casing can still be closed. 2. Fine superficial hairline crack A fine superficial hairline crack is visible on the yellow casing at approximately the 2 o'clock position when viewed from the front. These details are disclosed for accuracy and can be examined in the photographs. The clock remains functional and retains its attractive overall appearance. Please carefully examine all photographs, including the close-up images, as they form an integral part of the description and provide the best representation of its cosmetic condition. ORIGINAL SEIKO BOX & INSTRUCTION LEAFLET An especially appealing feature of this example is the presence of its original period packaging. Included in the sale: Seiko LP-214 transistor alarm clock. Original Seiko black and orange retail box. Original Seiko Transistor Alarm Clock instruction leaflet. The original box displays the distinctive black and orange Seiko graphic design characteristic of the period, with the wording TRANSISTOR ALARM CLOCK. The clock also retains its original SEIKO LP-214 identification label, marked Printed in Japan. The presence of these accessories adds historical interest and enhances the appeal of the object as a collectible vintage Japanese clock. The packaging and paper documentation show signs of age and storage consistent with their vintage nature. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Manufacturer: Seiko (セイコー) Model: LP-214 Country of manufacture: Japan Period: 1970s Design style: Space Age / Pop Art / Retro Futurism Type: Table / Bedside Alarm Clock Movement: Transistor-controlled Alarm: Buzzer Timekeeping regulation: Internal + / − fine adjustment Dial: Black with yellow minute track Hands: White hour and minute hands, central seconds hand Luminous details: Number 12, hour markers and hand tips Case material: Moulded plastic Colour: Bright yellow Width: Approximately 12 cm Height: Approximately 8 cm Depth: Approximately 7 cm Condition: Working, with disclosed vintage imperfections Accessories: Original box and instruction leaflet SEIKO – JAPANESE CLOCKMAKING HERITAGE Founded in Japan in 1881 by Kintarō Hattori, Seiko became one of the most influential names in Japanese watchmaking and clock production. Throughout the twentieth century, the company developed a wide range of timekeeping instruments, combining traditional mechanical expertise with innovative electronic technologies. During the 1960s and 1970s, Seiko's clocks increasingly reflected both technological developments and changing trends in industrial design. The LP-214 is an attractive expression of that period, bringing together Japanese transistor movement technology and the bold, colourful aesthetic of the Space Age era. Vintage Clocks, Transistor Movements & Electronic Timepieces This is an original vintage timepiece, manufactured several decades ago. It should not be compared with a modern, newly manufactured clock in terms of cosmetic condition, operational characteristics or technical precision. Functionality & Testing The clock has been tested before listing and its working condition is described above. The video provides additional documentation of the item's operation. All statements concerning functionality refer to the tests performed before the sale. Vintage Timekeeping Accuracy Vintage mechanical and transistor-controlled clocks may exhibit variations in their running rate depending on age, adjustment, environmental conditions and the characteristics of the original movement. Although this clock has been tested and keeps time, modern chronometric accuracy is neither claimed nor guaranteed. The original internal + / − regulator allows fine adjustment when required. Original Electronic Components Vintage transistor movements contain ageing electronic and mechanical components. Their long-term behaviour cannot be predicted or guaranteed, even when fully operational at the time of testing. Periodic adjustment, maintenance or specialist servicing may become necessary. Vintage Alarm Mechanism The original buzzer alarm has been tested and is functional. As with other vintage alarm clocks, the alarm activation time and mechanical operation should not be expected to match the precision or characteristics of modern digital alarm systems. Luminous Materials The luminous dial details are original vintage features. Their brightness depends on exposure to light, the age of the luminous material and environmental conditions. Photoluminescence naturally diminishes in darkness and its intensity and duration are not guaranteed. Cosmetic Condition & Age-Related Imperfections This clock is sold as a vintage collectible, with the signs of age and imperfections described in the listing and visible in the photographs. The missing retaining tab and superficial hairline crack have been specifically disclosed. Minor traces of use, surface marks, material ageing or other characteristics consistent with the age of the object should be expected. Originality & Documentation The clock is offered with its original Seiko box and instruction leaflet as photographed. The original packaging and documentation are vintage items and may exhibit wear, discolouration, folds or signs of storage. Only the objects expressly described and shown as included in the sale form part of the lot. The item has not been modified unless explicitly stated and is intended for normal use consistent with its age, or for collection and display. The item will be professionally packed using protective materials, and double-boxed where appropriate. Shipping is tracked. The item is handed over to the carrier in the same condition as documented prior to dispatch. The buyer is responsible for providing a correct shipping address and for collecting the parcel within the carrier’s specified timeframe. In case of non-collection, refusal of delivery, or incorrect address, Catawiki’s applicable procedures and conditions will apply. By placing a bid, the buyer confirms that they have carefully read the description and reviewed all images and video.

Estimate:£4.22

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