Vintage Industrial Slave Clock in Bakelite Case by Synchronome

BAKELITE CASED WALL CLOCK BY SYNCHRONOME

A stunning  industrial clock made in England circa 1940 by Synchronome.

Synchronome were the preeminent clock maker throughout the early & mid 20th century, commercially producing the most accurate electric clocks globally despite strong competition from companies such as Gents of Leicester. 

This beautiful little station clock has a stepped and tapered bakelite case which has been stripped back and polished to reveal a wonderful brown marble effect finish.

The clock face is very clean with minimal age related patina with the attractive font and spade hands typically found on a Synchronome clock.

The clocks original hands have been adapted and are operated on a battery quartz movement.

The artists figure in the images is 6ft 1" to give a representation of scale. 

What is Bakelite

Bakelite is a type of synthetic plastic that was invented by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland in the early 20th century, specifically in 1907. It was the first truly synthetic plastic and marked a significant milestone in the development of plastics.

Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic, which means that once it is molded and hardened, it cannot be re-melted or reshaped. This property made it ideal for various applications where heat resistance and durability were essential.

Its exceptional heat resistance and electrical insulating properties made it an ideal choice for various electrical components. Bakelite was employed in the manufacturing of electrical switches, circuit boards, and insulating materials for wires and cables, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of electrical systems. Its durability and ability to withstand high temperatures contributed significantly to the reliability of electrical devices and systems of that era. Today, while newer materials have largely replaced Bakelite in contemporary electronics, its historical significance in the field of electrical engineering remains undeniable.

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