Name/Title
Clock: GE Box Clock, Theme of Time, Model 2087Description
This box clock was designed and patented by Robert Darr Wert and produced by the General Electric (GE) Clocks Division. It appeared in GE’s “Clocks 1962-1963” and “Wholesale Gift Catalog/Holiday Season ‘63” (see catalog images below). The catalog description states:
“1. THEME OF TIME. Cordless. Truly unique! Colorful symbols of time printed on imported linen. Picture frame case in fruitwood finish. Battery movement. Height 27 1/4”, Width 12 1/4”
Model 2087, Retail 24.95, Dealer Cost 16.22”
(NOTE: though not stated, this may be clearance pricing. The 1962-1963 catalog below states a retail price of $44.95 and a dealer cost of $26.97.)
The clock face panel is a five-color silkscreen print on linen depicting the four seasons and the twelve astrological symbols. At the base is a blue astrolabe. Just above, the seasons are represented by four trees (flowering, fruiting, leaves falling, bare branched).
The astrological year is represented by the twelve astrological signs, beginning with Aquarius at the clock base and ending with Capricorn adjacent to “III” on the clock face.
The clock face is delineated by roman numerals and red minute marks, and has delicate pierced hour and minute hands, and a fine second hand. Above is a crescent “man in the moon”, and a smiling sun with a blue tail, representing the sun and moon’s daily transit across the sky. Red radiating hash marks at the perimeter of the sun relate it to the clock face, reinforcing the movement of time.
The patent certificate below states that Wert assigned the patent to GE for a period of seven years beginning May 8, 1961. Under “Other References” it states the design for the clock may have been featured as early as 1953 in the Jeweler’s Circular-Keystone,(November 1953, p. 86, item No. 3). Three other publications are mentioned in 1957 and ‘58.
This is one of three box clock faces Wert designed for GE based on his own clock design patent; see images. Wert assigned the patent to GE in 1961 for a term of seven years, during which time GE manufactured the clocks and included them in their catalogs. Country Prints produced the linen clock faces in Gill, MA, and shipped them to GE for assembly.
According to a product tag found on an example of this clock, Wert’s box clocks are among the first battery operated wall clocks produced by GE.Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Robert Darr WertRole
DesignerManufacturer
General Electric ClocksDate made
1961 - 1968Time Period
20th CenturyPlace
Location
Gill MA.Continent
North AmericaNotes
Dates refer to the range of Wert’s patent transfer to GE.Inscription/Signature/Marks
“wert”, lower left corner; “by hand for GENERAL ELECTRIC...”, lower right cornerDimensions
Height
27-1/4 inWidth
12-1/4 inDepth
2-1/2 inMaterial
Bleached Linen, Textile Ink, Wood, Coodless Clock Works, PaintColors
Color
Red, Yellow, Brown, Black, BlueColor Notes
An additional color, the green of the tree leaves, may be produced the overprint of blue and green.
