Flip clock - DIGIMATE Model A – J

An uncommon and highly attractive DIGIMATE Model A mechanical flip clock, produced for J. Osawa & Co., Ltd. – 大沢商会 (Ōsawa Shōkai), Japan, dating from the 1970s. This is a particularly elaborate Japanese mechanical digital clock, combining a large drum-type time display with day-of-the-week indication, AM/PM display, alarm function and twin internal illumination. Its combination of mechanical engineering, warm illumination and deep brown 1970s styling makes it an excellent example of the transition period between traditional mechanical clocks and the electronic digital displays that became dominant later in the decade. J. Osawa & Co. Ltd. – 大沢商会 J. Osawa has a remarkably long connection with Japanese horology. The company now known as 株式会社大沢商会 – J. Osawa Group Co., Ltd. traces its origins to Kyoto in 1890, when Zensuke Osawa established a business producing wall clocks. The company subsequently expanded into the watch and clock trade and was formally incorporated as J. Osawa & Co., Ltd. in 1919. By the early 1920s, J. Osawa had become an important participant in Japan's watch and clock market, before developing into a wider international trading organisation. This historical connection with clockmaking makes the DIGIMATE particularly interesting beyond its visual appeal: J. Osawa was not simply an anonymous electronics distributor, but a Japanese company whose history originated directly in horology. 1970s Japanese Design The DIGIMATE Model A has a distinctly 1970s Japanese Modernist / Space Age-inspired appearance. The sculpted body is finished in a rich dark brown colour, with softly rounded corners and contrasting wood-effect side panels. A large smoked transparent front cover runs across the display and gives the clock a dark, almost instrument-panel appearance when switched off. Behind it, the large white numerals contrast against black mechanical drums, complemented by smaller displays for the weekday, AM/PM indication and alarm setting. The combination of: dark brown plastic – smoked transparent acrylic – simulated wood – white mechanical numerals – warm amber lighting is highly representative of Japanese domestic electronics from the 1970s. The overall design successfully combines the futuristic appeal of a mechanical digital display with the warmer wood-effect finishes popular in contemporary interiors. Mechanical Display Unlike a modern electronic digital clock, the DIGIMATE creates its display entirely through mechanical rotating drums and indicators. The display incorporates: - mechanical hour drum - mechanical minute drum - day-of-the-week indicator - AM/PM indicator - alarm-time indication - buzzer alarm - twin internal illumination The day and AM/PM indications are mechanically linked to the clock mechanism and advance during normal operation. Twin Internal Illumination One of the most attractive characteristics of this example is its double internal lighting system. Two lamps positioned inside the mechanism illuminate the display with a warm orange/amber glow. In a dark room, the illuminated numerals, weekday indication and secondary markings create a particularly beautiful visual effect, very characteristic of high-quality mechanical digital clocks of this period. Both internal lights are functioning. The night-time illumination can be seen clearly in the photographs and in the operating video. Japanese Internal Construction The internal photographs show the original mechanical construction and the quality of the Japanese components used. Among the visible components are: - Nikko synchronous motor - Kawasaki-marked internal electrical wiring - mechanical drum assembly - gear and cam mechanism - twin illumination lamps - original mains cable - original plug The electrical specification is: 220 V – 50 Hz The original cable and plug are still present. The internal photographs are included specifically to document the construction, motor, wiring and condition of the mechanism. Tested for More Than One Month The clock has been personally tested for more than one month before being offered for sale. During this extended test: - the clock kept time correctly - the hour drum advanced correctly - the minute drum advanced correctly - the weekday changed automatically - the AM/PM indication changed correctly at 12 - both internal lights worked correctly - the buzzer alarm worked correctly - the alarm-setting function worked correctly This extended testing was carried out specifically to observe the clock over a much longer period than a simple short functional test. Important Note About Mechanical Sounds, Motor Hum and Vibration Please note that this is a vintage mechanical flip clock powered by an AC synchronous motor, and therefore it should not be expected to operate in complete silence. Different normal mechanical sounds may occasionally be audible during operation. A brief click or mechanical sound can occur when a minute or hour changes. This is produced by the interaction of the gears, cams, retaining mechanisms and rotating display drums as the next numeral is released and moved into position. The synchronous motor itself may also produce a light audible hum and/or slight vibration while operating. This is inherent to the operating principle of this type of vintage AC motor. A synchronous motor is driven by the alternating magnetic field produced by the 50 Hz mains electricity. The magnetic field acts on the internal rotor and keeps it rotating at a speed synchronised with the electrical frequency. This electromagnetic action, together with the rotation of the motor and its mechanical transmission to the gear train, can naturally generate a slight vibration. Because the motor is physically mounted to the internal chassis, part of this vibration may be transferred through the metal structure and into the clock case. The body itself can consequently act as a small resonating surface and make the normal motor hum more noticeable. The perceived sound can also vary according to the surface on which the clock is placed: a hollow piece of furniture, wooden shelf or resonant cabinet may amplify vibration more than a heavy and stable surface. For these reasons, a light motor hum, slight vibration and the mechanical sounds associated with the changing of the minute or hour are normal characteristics of this type of vintage electromechanical clock and are not considered defects. Known Defect – Manual Weekday Adjustment There is one known functional issue which is explicitly disclosed. The manual weekday-adjustment lever located underneath the clock moves, but currently does not provide sufficient mechanical push to advance the weekday indicator manually. This does not prevent the automatic weekday mechanism from operating. The correct weekday can be set by advancing the clock through the hours until the required day is reached. Once the correct weekday has been set, the day indicator advances automatically during normal operation. This issue is clearly mentioned here for complete transparency. Condition The clock remains in good vintage cosmetic condition considering its age. The dark brown case, smoked transparent front cover, wood-effect side panels, display and controls show normal signs of age and use, as clearly visible in the photographs. These signs are consistent with an original object approximately fifty years old and form part of its vintage character. Please carefully inspect all photographs, including the detailed photographs of the mechanism, as they are an integral part of the description and condition report. Dimensions Width: approx. 17 cm Height: approx. 8 cm Depth: approx. 10 cm Operating Video A video showing the actual clock in operation can be viewed at the following link: https://youtu.be/hHjemQBHN-Y The video is provided as additional documentation of the functionality of the actual object offered in this auction.The DIGIMATE Model A is considerably more visually and mechanically interesting than a conventional two-drum flip clock. Its combination of: mechanical hour and minute drums weekday display AM/PM indication alarm function buzzer twin internal illumination Nikko synchronous motor Japanese construction dark brown and wood-effect 1970s design creates a very complete example of Japanese electromechanical clock design from the period. It is particularly suitable for collectors of Japanese industrial design, flip clocks, Space Age objects, mechanical digital clocks and vintage electronics. The illuminated display is especially attractive and transforms the appearance of the clock completely when viewed in low light. Please read carefully before bidding. This is an original vintage electromechanical object and not a newly manufactured product. Testing The clock has been carefully tested before sale and its functions are described accurately according to the results of those tests. A video of the actual item in operation is supplied whenever possible as additional documentation. Vintage electrical and mechanical equipment, however, can behave differently from modern electronic products and should not be expected to provide the same characteristics, silence or tolerances as newly manufactured equipment. Vintage Flip-Clock Mechanisms Mechanical flip clocks contain numerous moving components, including motors, gears, cams, shafts, levers, springs and rotating drums. Normal operating sounds may therefore be present. Clicks during numeral changes, movement of the mechanism, slight vibration and a low synchronous-motor hum are characteristic of many vintage flip-clock mechanisms and are not by themselves indications of a malfunction. The sound level can also change depending on the furniture or surface on which the clock is placed. Long-Term Operation Although the clock has been extensively tested and is functioning as described at the time of sale, vintage electromechanical equipment is several decades old. No guarantee can reasonably be given regarding how long original motors, bulbs, gears, capacitors, switches, wiring or other vintage components will continue operating without future servicing. Periodic adjustment, lubrication, maintenance or replacement of ageing components may eventually be necessary as part of normal ownership of vintage electronics. Voltage and Electrical Compatibility This clock is marked 220 V – 50 Hz. The buyer is responsible for checking compatibility with the electrical supply in the country where the item will be used. For synchronous-motor clocks, mains frequency is particularly important, because the motor timing is directly related to the electrical frequency. It should therefore be used with the correct voltage and frequency or with suitable specialist equipment where necessary. Original Vintage Components Original vintage electrical components are retained whenever possible. They may naturally display age-related characteristics that would not be present in modern replacement parts. Any specifically known functional defect is stated in the description. Illumination Vintage bulbs are consumable components. The lamps are working at the time of testing and photography, but due to their age their future lifespan cannot be predicted or guaranteed. Accuracy This is a vintage mechanical/electromechanical clock and not a modern quartz-controlled precision instrument. Minor variations in timekeeping can occur due to age, adjustment, mechanical condition, mains characteristics or extended operation. Transport Before shipment, the clock will be carefully prepared and protected. Where mechanically appropriate, movable components will be secured as much as possible to reduce stress during transport. The item will be packed using protective materials and double-box packaging whenever appropriate, with particular attention to the front window, controls and internal mechanism. Despite careful packaging, vintage mechanical equipment may occasionally require minor adjustment after transportation because vibration during shipping can affect mechanisms that have already been in service for several decades. Photographs and Description The photographs show the actual item offered for sale. Please inspect all images carefully, including close-ups, as they constitute an integral part of the description and condition report. Visible cosmetic signs of age, scratches, marks, colour variations or other characteristics clearly shown in the photographs should be considered part of the stated vintage condition. Before Bidding Please read the entire description, watch the operating video and examine all photographs carefully before placing a bid. The known issue concerning the manual weekday-adjustment lever is expressly disclosed in this listing. By placing a bid, the buyer confirms having reviewed the photographs, operating information, known condition, voltage requirements and complete description of this vintage item.

Estimate:£127.08

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