Flip clock - ROSS 5100S – 1970s Stereo Flip Clock Radio –...

ROSS 5100S – 1970s Stereo Flip Clock Radio – Dual Pioneer Speakers – Japanese COPAL Motor – AM/FM – Dual Volume – Woodgrain – Hong Kong A Remarkable Example of 1970s Stereo Clock Radio Design An exceptionally attractive ROSS Model 5100S Stereo Flip Clock Radio, combining a mechanical Japanese flip clock movement, genuine two-speaker stereo audio, independent left and right volume controls, AM/FM radio reception and sophisticated late-1970s styling. Manufactured in Hong Kong for the international consumer electronics market, this distinctive clock radio reflects an era when everyday electronic appliances were becoming increasingly sophisticated, both technically and aesthetically. Unlike ordinary single-speaker clock radios, the ROSS 5100S incorporates **two original Japanese Pioneer speakers**, individually adjustable volume controls and a genuine Japanese COPAL synchronous motor for the mechanical time display. Its elegant proportions, richly coloured woodgrain-effect top, black ribbed side panels, illuminated numerical display and extensive chrome-style detailing make it an eye-catching example of 1970s retro-futuristic industrial design. ## Design – Woodgrain, Black & Chrome The ROSS 5100S features a particularly elegant, elongated rectangular shape, measuring approximately 32 cm in width. The horizontal construction gives the clock radio the appearance of a miniature stereo receiver, rather than a conventional bedside alarm clock. The upper surface is finished in a warm reddish-brown woodgrain effect, recalling the fashionable furniture finishes and domestic Hi-Fi equipment of the 1970s. This warm finish creates a beautiful contrast with the black plastic structure and the dark, glossy front panel. One of the most distinctive design features is the pair of deeply ribbed black side sections. These horizontal fins run along both ends of the cabinet, producing a striking architectural, almost sculptural appearance. Their repetitive geometry and pronounced horizontal lines are particularly characteristic of the industrial design language of the period. The front panel is organised into two principal functional sections: **Left – Mechanical Flip Clock** Large white numerals displayed on black rotating flip cards, protected behind a smoked transparent front window. The mechanical display provides excellent readability while preserving the authentic visual character of a 1970s electromechanical clock. **Right – Analog AM/FM Radio** A long horizontal radio tuning scale with green frequency markings and a contrasting red tuning indicator. The arrangement recalls the front panels of contemporary stereo receivers and Hi-Fi tuners. Below the tuning display are the independent volume controls, tone selector and tuning knob. The circular control knobs feature silver-coloured details, creating an attractive contrast against the glossy black fascia. A metallic-effect horizontal strip along the lower front completes the design. The overall composition combines Space Age influences, 1970s modernism and classic Japanese-inspired electronic styling. ## The ROSS Brand – Vintage Consumer Electronics Heritage ROSS is a historic name associated with vintage consumer electronics, particularly portable transistor radios, radio receivers and audio equipment. Period advertising documents Ross Electronics Corporation of Chicago marketing portable radios and other electronic products during the 1960s. An original 1965 advertisement promoted the ROSS radio range, including transistor receivers equipped with multiple speakers and sophisticated controls. Historical radio collections also document Ross-branded products from subsequent decades. The ROSS name was additionally used by Ross Consumer Electronics in Britain during the 1970s and 1980s. The precise corporate origin of the ROSS 5100S has not been conclusively established, but the present example is clearly identified by its original manufacturer's label as Model 5100S, Made in Hong Kong. Its European mains specification, Japanese components and design language are consistent with the international consumer electronics industry of the 1970s. ## Genuine Stereo Sound – Two Japanese Pioneer Speakers One of the most interesting technical characteristics of this model is its original two-speaker audio arrangement. Inside the cabinet are two Pioneer speakers, with the following markings: **PIONEER 77-39** - Impedance: 16 Ohms - Rated power: 0.5W per speaker - Speaker quantity: 2 The two speakers are positioned within the opposite sides of the cabinet. The front panel has two independent rotary controls: - VOLUME-L – Left speaker volume - VOLUME-R – Right speaker volume These allow separate adjustment of the sound level for the left and right audio sections. This arrangement is significantly more elaborate than that found on many ordinary vintage clock radios, which generally feature a single internal loudspeaker and one volume control. The ROSS 5100S also incorporates a HI/LO tone selector, allowing the listener to alter the tonal balance of the radio sound. The dual-speaker configuration, separate volume adjustments and extended horizontal cabinet make this model particularly appealing to collectors of vintage stereo audio equipment. **The radio has been tested and produces good, clear sound. Both volume controls and the tone selector are functioning correctly.** ## Japanese COPAL Mechanical Flip Clock The mechanical clock is powered by an original Japanese COPAL synchronous motor. The following specifications are visible on the original motor label: - Manufacturer: COPAL - Motor model: GG-2488 - Operating voltage: 220V AC - Frequency: 50Hz - Current: 15mA - Country of manufacture: Japan - Additional identification marking: 74013 COPAL was an important Japanese manufacturer of precision electromechanical components, including motors and mechanisms used in vintage flip clocks. The clock operates through a continuously driven mechanical system that advances the numbered cards at the appropriate intervals. The display incorporates a complete set of rotating hour and minute cards. A particularly important aspect of this mechanism is the correct synchronisation between the minute display and the hour change. On this example, the transition from minute 59 to minute 00 has been tested and occurs correctly, together with the corresponding hour advancement. All numbered flip cards are present. The clock has been tested and keeps accurate time. As with other vintage synchronous mechanical clocks, a slight motor hum, vibration or mechanical sound during operation or during the change of the numbered cards may be part of the normal electromechanical operating characteristics and is not necessarily indicative of a defect. The mechanism is designed for a 50Hz mains supply, which is important for correct timekeeping. ## Atmospheric Internal Illumination A particularly attractive feature of this ROSS 5100S is its original internal illumination. The flip clock display is illuminated by two internal light sources, producing a beautiful warm amber glow behind the rotating number cards. This creates a particularly pleasant visual effect in a dimly lit room. The large white numerals become clearly visible against the illuminated dark background, giving the clock its characteristic vintage nighttime appearance. When the radio is switched on, a separate pilot light illuminates the radio tuning scale, highlighting the frequency markings and enhancing the overall appearance of the front panel. The contrast between the warm clock illumination, the green radio scale and the red tuning indicator is especially evocative of 1970s electronic design. The clock illumination and radio scale illumination have both been tested and are functioning. ## Radio, Alarm and Sleep Functions The ROSS 5100S combines several useful functions within a single compact cabinet. **AM/FM Radio** The radio receives AM and FM broadcasts, with an illuminated analog tuning scale. The tuning system and radio reception have been tested. The sound is clear and pleasant. **Independent Stereo Volume Controls** Separate left and right volume adjustments allow individual control of the two speaker sections. Both controls have been tested and operate correctly. **Tone Selection** The HI/LO switch adjusts the tonal character of the sound. Tested and working. **Mechanical Alarm** The clock incorporates an alarm function, with its own setting control and an associated alarm time indication alongside the main number display. The alarm has been tested and operates correctly. **Sleep Timer** An adjustable sleep timer allows the radio to operate for a predetermined period. The front panel provides a timer scale from 0 to 180 minutes, including intermediate settings. The sleep function has been tested and operates correctly. **Operating Controls** The front panel includes an ON/OFF/AUTO selector, allowing manual radio operation and automatic operation associated with the clock functions. A separate selector on the upper surface provides the AM, FM and MPX positions. The controls are arranged in a logical and visually balanced layout, reflecting the attention given to functional design during the period. ## Tested and Working – Operational Condition This example has been carefully tested. The following functions have been verified: - Mechanical flip clock operating correctly - Clock keeps accurate time - All numbered flip cards present - Correct transition from 59 to 00 minutes - Correct corresponding hour advancement - Alarm functioning - Sleep timer functioning - AM radio functioning - FM radio functioning - Both internal Pioneer speakers producing sound - Independent left volume control functioning - Independent right volume control functioning - HI/LO tone selector functioning - Radio tuning control functioning - Dual internal clock illumination functioning - Radio tuning scale illumination functioning All these functions were operational at the time of testing. ### Video Demonstration A video showing the operation of this actual ROSS 5100S Stereo Flip Clock Radio is available at the following link: **https://youtu.be/S12M1aHDtNI** The video is provided as additional documentation of the actual item offered for sale. ## Technical Specifications **Brand:** ROSS **Model:** 5100S **Type:** Stereo Clock Radio with Mechanical Flip Display **Estimated period:** 1970s **Country of manufacture:** Hong Kong **Clock mechanism:** Japanese synchronous mechanical flip clock **Motor manufacturer:** COPAL, Japan **Motor model:** GG-2488 **Motor rating:** 220V AC, 50Hz, 15mA **Clock display:** Mechanical rotating numeral cards, 24-hour format **Audio:** Two-speaker system **Speakers:** 2 × Pioneer 77-39 **Speaker impedance:** 16 Ohms each **Speaker rated power:** 0.5W each **Radio bands:** AM / FM **Radio band selector:** MPX / FM / AM **Audio controls:** Independent left/right volume **Tone control:** HI/LO **Other controls:** Tuning, clock setting, alarm, sleep timer, ON/OFF/AUTO **Sleep timer:** Up to 180 minutes **Illumination:** Two internal clock lights and radio scale pilot light **Cabinet material:** Plastic with woodgrain-effect upper finish **Colours:** Brown woodgrain / Black / Silver-tone details **Power supply:** AC 220–240V, 50Hz **Total rated consumption:** 7 Watts **Width:** Approximately 32 cm **Height:** Approximately 11 cm **Depth:** Approximately 14 cm **Weight:** Approximately 1.5 kg ## Vintage Condition The radio is preserved in original vintage condition, with visible signs of age and previous use consistent with an electronic appliance from the 1970s. The woodgrain-effect upper panel retains its attractive warm appearance. The black plastic ribbed side sections are present, together with the original front control arrangement. There are some superficial marks, minor scratches and signs of age on the cabinet, front trim and transparent surfaces. No major cracks or significant structural breakages have been observed. The original mechanical number cards are complete. The controls and decorative details are shown in the accompanying photographs. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and illustrate the actual condition of the item. ## A Collectible Example of 1970s Electronic Design The ROSS 5100S is particularly interesting because it combines several classic features of vintage electronic design in one apparatus: - Genuine mechanical flip clock - Japanese COPAL motor - Two original Pioneer speakers - Independent left and right volume controls - AM/FM radio - Alarm and sleep timer - Dual illuminated clock display - Illuminated analog tuning scale - Attractive woodgrain-effect top - Black ribbed architectural side panels - Distinctive horizontal 1970s styling Its combination of mechanical engineering, vintage stereo audio and decorative industrial design makes it an appealing object for collectors of flip clocks, vintage radios, 1970s electronic equipment and retro interiors. It is equally suitable as a decorative item for a vintage-inspired living room, office, studio or collection. Important Information **Vintage Electronic Equipment** This item is an original vintage electronic appliance, approximately fifty years old. All functions expressly described as operational have been tested before listing. However, vintage electronic and electromechanical equipment contains components that have naturally aged over time. Future performance, continued accuracy and long-term reliability cannot be guaranteed to the same standards as newly manufactured products. Minor mechanical noises, motor hum, slight vibration, changes in radio reception or small variations in operation may occur and can be normal characteristics of equipment of this age. **Mechanical Flip Clock** The clock contains an original synchronous motor and mechanical rotating number cards. The mechanism should be handled carefully, and the apparatus should not be subjected to shocks, excessive vibration or inappropriate electrical supplies. The 50Hz mains frequency is essential for correct operation of the synchronous clock. The buyer is responsible for ensuring compatibility with the local electricity supply. **Radio Reception** Radio reception depends on local broadcasting conditions, available stations, geographical location and possible interference. Reception may therefore differ from that observed during testing. **Condition & Photographs** The item is sold in the vintage condition illustrated and described. Age-related wear and cosmetic imperfections should be expected. Photographs and the demonstration video form an integral part of the description. Slight colour differences may occur depending on lighting, photography and display settings. **Packaging & Shipping** The item will be carefully prepared for shipment, with particular attention to the fragile electromechanical clock mechanism, front panel and cabinet. Protective packaging and a double-box system will be used as appropriate. The condition of the item will be documented before dispatch. Any shipping-related concerns should be reported promptly through Catawiki in accordance with the platform's applicable procedures. **Before Placing a Bid** Please carefully examine all photographs, read the complete description and watch the operational demonstration video before bidding. By placing a bid, the buyer acknowledges the disclosed vintage condition, specifications, tested functions and age-related characteristics of this original electronic appliance.

Estimate:£126.72

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