Exceptional Large Scale Magneta British Railway Platform Clock
IG[stock no. needed]
A rare and impressive large-scale platform clock by Magneta Time Co. Ltd of the type installed across British railway stations, factories, hospitals and civic buildings throughout the mid twentieth century. At 785mm in diameter this is a genuinely commanding piece — the scale of a platform clock designed to be read from distance — and one of the more substantial examples of British institutional timekeeping to come to market.
The Clock
The dial is the defining feature — a cream painted metal face carrying bold black Arabic numerals in a clean sans-serif typeface, with a minute track of dashed rectangular markers and triangular indicators at the quarters. The MAGNETA maker’s name is printed centrally below twelve o’clock in the period typography used across the range. The black baton hands are of substantial scale, engineered for legibility at distance rather than decorative effect — a purely functional resolution that gives the clock its strong graphic character. The dial retains its original surface with honest age and minor spotting consistent with decades of working use, adding to rather than detracting from the overall presence of the piece.
The case is a large-format circular drum in brushed and rolled steel, the profile deep enough to house the movement and its associated hardware. The case edge carries a brushed steel bezel retaining the dial, with an original copper-coloured terminal cover plate at the rear — a detail confirming the clock’s working life within a large institutional or infrastructure setting.
Magneta Time Co. Ltd
Magneta Time Co. Ltd were one of Britain’s principal manufacturers of synchronised clock systems for institutional and industrial use, operating from London and supplying installations to railway stations, hospitals, government buildings, schools and factories across the UK and Commonwealth. Their clocks were the standard solution for consistent timekeeping across large sites and were a familiar and trusted presence on British railway platforms for much of the twentieth century.
Power
This clock is offered unrestored and will be installed with a new battery or mains power supply, making it fully functional as a standalone timepiece in any contemporary setting. Please enquire regarding power options and supply.
Ideal For
- Railway and industrial heritage interiors
- Large commercial and retail spaces
- Restaurants, bars and hospitality venues
- Creative studios and large workspace environments
- Statement residential installations in double-height or open-plan spaces
Technical Specification
Maker
Magneta Time Co. Ltd, London
Type
Vintage British railway platform clock
Origin
England
Era
Mid twentieth century, circa 1940s–1960s
Stock No.
IG220773
Diameter
785mm (30.9")
Depth
195mm (7.7")
Weight
Approx 20kg
Power
New battery or mains power supply — please enquire
Finish
Brushed steel case with original dial. Honest age and patination consistent with institutional working use.
Condition
Unrestored. Dial intact with original surface and natural age spotting. Case and bezel structurally sound. Original terminal cover plate present.
Shipping
Worldwide shipping available — please enquire for a quote. Due to the scale and weight of this clock, specialist packing and freight will be required. All shipments are fully insured through
