Arne Jacobsen Synkronur alarm clock

An electric alarm clock, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1939. This example dates later, probably mid-late 1940s and is compression moulded in black coloured phenol formaldehyde (bakelite). Manufactured by Lauritz Knudsen, a Danish electrical appliance manufacturer, the clock was originally designed for the house Jacobsen also designed for H. J. Hansen, the director of the company. It was presented at the spring fair in Charlottenborg, Copenhagen in 1939 and LK began manufacturing the clock that same year with a synchronous motor, stopping production in 1948-49. E. Norgaard took over production of the LK clocks under the name ENK (E.Norgaard, Kobanhavn) in the 1950s, releasing the clock with both its originally designed metal base (model 85311) and a new bakelite version (model 85314). It is unknown if this was also designed by Jacobsen or an adaptation applied by the manufaturer. Available in either ivory or black colours with Arabic or Roman numerals and a luminescent dial and hands, it was originally equipped with a 1.5 metre long, cloth covered, two-wire twisted cable. This example's cord has been cut at some point with a modern two-pin plug added, dated to the 1970s/80s. A modern reproduction of the clock was released in 2011 by the Rosendahl Design Group (see AIBDC : 008665).

printed: "LK logo. Type 85314. 220V. 50 - 0.85W. Laur. Knudsen Mek. Etabl A/B D." (bottom)

AIBDC : 008680