IG221301
An exceptional steel railway station clock by English clock maker Gents of Leicester circa 1940.
Stunning industrial design with steel casing retaining the original distressed black paint to the case and fabulous condition original hand painted dial which is 24 inch in diameter with the Gents of Leicester makers marks to the lower centre of the dial.
This clock has an unusual case design which is much thinner than normally found with a clock of this diameter, the slave movement doesn't sit flush so would benefit if there was a recess in the wall to accommodate this otherwise the clock stands off the wall slightly creating a shadow gap.
Installed in many public buildings such as railway, tram and bus depots along with factories and military facilities these clocks have seen decades of history pass bye and possess character that cannot be replicated.
A stunning feature piece for any wall space bring a little industrial chic that can work both private and commercial interiors.
The clock currently retains its original slave movement which would of been operated by a master clock, this is now operated via a small impulse driver unit that can be mounted to the rear of the clock or away from the clock if required, this can be mains or battery powered.
Please enquire for use outside of the UK, the clock can be converted to run in the United States and other countries.
The artists figure in the images is 6ft 1" to give a representation of scale.
Technical Details
Movement | 30 second impulse |
Clock Face Width | 600 mm (24 Inch) |
Overall Width | 650 mm (26 Inch) |
Depth | 50 mm ( 2 inch) |
Colour / Materials |
Black Painted Steel / Glass |
Weight | 11 kg |
Gents of Leicester, founded in 1872 by John Thomas Gent, rose to prominence as a leading British manufacturer of electrical products. Known for their precision-engineered bells, fire alarms, and electric clocks, Gents became synonymous with reliable timekeeping. Their master clock systems, in particular, revolutionized the way large buildings and public spaces synchronized time, making them indispensable in schools, factories, railways, and prestigious public institutions worldwide.
Among their many accomplishments, Gents clocks were installed in some of the most iconic locations of their time. The Houses of Parliament in London relied on Gents' precision to ensure accurate timekeeping in one of the world's most significant government buildings. Across the Atlantic, their clocks graced the Singer Building in New York, a symbol of early 20th-century innovation and elegance. Back in the UK, Gents clocks became a familiar sight at Waterloo Station, helping to coordinate the schedules of one of London’s busiest transport hubs. Many other railway stations, public buildings, and factories adopted Gents clocks for their reliability and clarity, solidifying their reputation as a trusted name in timekeeping.
Today, Gents clocks are celebrated as icons of industrial design and enduring craftsmanship. Their robust construction, clean lines, and bold typography reflect a utilitarian elegance that resonates with modern aesthetics. Originally created for function, their minimalist style now serves as a statement of timeless sophistication. Whether it’s a classic railway clock or a master clock system, each piece tells a story of innovation and practicality.
Reclaimed Gents clocks have become highly desirable for interiors, offering a unique blend of vintage charm and historical significance. These clocks work beautifully in a variety of settings, from industrial-style lofts to sleek contemporary homes, adding warmth and character to any space. Their connection to notable landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and Waterloo Station makes them even more intriguing, offering a tangible link to the past.
Owning a reclaimed Gents clock is more than just acquiring a functional timepiece—it’s embracing a piece of history. These clocks embody the precision and durability that made Gents of Leicester a household name, while their timeless design continues to captivate today. Perfect for interiors that value authenticity and sustainability, a Gents clock brings character, history, and a sense of enduring quality to your space, ensuring it remains a conversation starter for years to come.
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info@industrialglow.co.uk
We ship worldwide weekly.
We aim to dispatch items within 3 working days depending if or what customisations are required to the order.
Our original items are reclaimed from industrial settings between the early 1900’s up to the 1970’s and due to the nature of their original life most of our product have received wear and tear which as a result have created the wonderful individual character of our pieces.
The pictures of our products are potentially sample pieces from a run or batch of products and we have tried our upmost to offer a true reflection of the product you will receive. However due to the nature and age of the products there will be variations between individual pieces, if you require more information on the condition of specific pieces please get in touch via our contact page.