Clock - Diehl Mid-century modern Plastic, Ceramic - 1960-1970 - Boxed, Instruction & Tag

This wall clock is a refined example of 1970s German design, where functional minimalism meets decorative ceramic craftsmanship. The strong horizontal graphic pattern and balanced proportions reflect the late-modernist aesthetic of the period, making the clock both a functional timepiece and a distinctive interior object.
The body is made of glazed ceramic, solid and well finished, characteristic of high-quality German production of the era. The dial is protected by a dome-shaped plexiglass crystal, a deliberate design choice typical of the period, enhancing depth while remaining faithful to original materials and construction techniques.
The clock is complete with its original box, an increasingly rare and desirable feature for collectors, confirming careful preservation over time.
This example is fitted with its original Diehl Electronic floating-balance movement, marked “Electronic Lic. ATO”, model 977 3750, manufactured in Germany. This movement represents a transitional phase between traditional mechanical clockmaking and the later quartz era, combining a floating balance with electronic regulation. It is a period-correct electronic system and not a quartz movement, nor a later replacement.
Collector’s technical note:
The “Electronic Lic. ATO” marking identifies a licensed German electronic movement technology used during the 1960s–1970s, developed as an evolution of electromagnetic clock systems and employed before quartz became standard.
Important technical clarification:
The instruction leaflet illustrates a similar movement variant equipped with a rear crown for time setting. In this specific model and movement configuration, there is no rear crown for adjusting the time. Time setting is intentionally designed to be carried out by opening the front plexiglass and moving the hands forward clockwise. This is not a defect, but a different technical conception adopted by Diehl for certain electronic wall clock models.
The rear screw visible on the movement is not a time-setting control, but a regulation screw used to slightly speed up or slow down the floating balance for fine time calibration. For this reason, the movement does not have (and was never designed to have) a hole or shaft for an external time-setting crown.
Video:
A short video showing the clock’s condition and operation is available at the following link:
https://youtube.com/shorts/B8sca5mqdP4
Condition:
The item offered is original, vintage, and pre-owned, and is described accurately and in good faith. Before listing, the clock has been carefully cleaned, tested, and documented with detailed photographs and, where applicable, a video showing its actual condition and functionality. All stated functions, including timekeeping, have been tested and verified at the time of listing and again before shipment as a final quality check.
Photographs and any accompanying video form an integral part of the description and accurately represent the condition of the item at the time of listing. As this is a vintage electro-mechanical timepiece, minor signs of age and normal wear are to be expected and are consistent with its age. Any structural damage, missing parts, or non-functioning features are clearly disclosed in the description and/or visible in the images. Colours may vary slightly due to lighting conditions and screen settings.
Dimensions:
Width approx. 23 cm, height approx. 18 cm, depth approx. 4 cm.
Specifications:
Model: 977 3750
Material: glazed ceramic body
Crystal: dome-shaped plexiglass
Movement: Diehl Electronic floating-balance
Technology: Electronic Lic. ATO
Power: battery operated (battery not included)
Origin: Made in Germany
Period: 1970s
Functionality: tested, fully working, keeps time correctly
The item will be professionally packed using protective materials and double-boxed where appropriate. Shipping is tracked and insured. The item is handed over to the carrier in the same condition as documented prior to dispatch.
The buyer is responsible for providing a correct shipping address and for collecting the parcel within the carrier’s specified timeframe. In case of non-collection, refusal of delivery, or an incorrect address, Catawiki’s applicable procedures and conditions will apply.
By placing a bid, the buyer confirms that they have carefully read the description and reviewed all images.
This vintage timepiece has not been modified unless explicitly stated and is intended for normal use consistent with its age, or for collection and display. Due to its age and original components, slight variations in performance, accuracy, or behaviour may occur over time, even if fully functional at the time of testing.