Chess set - Other

GARDE Ruhla – Mechanical analog chess clock with double-dial, Made in GDR – Vintage 1970s/80s – With original box

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION
East Germany (DDR) – inscription "MADE IN GDR" stamped on the lower edge of both dials

ESTIMATED PERIOD / YEAR
Before 1990 – produced before German reunification. The phrase "Made in GDR" certifies authentic origin from the German Democratic Republic.

TYPE OF OBJECT
Mechanical double-dial analog chess clock, manually wound. No batteries required.

MATERIALS
Perimeter frame: dark lacquered wood (mahogany or walnut)
Front and back panels: natural light wood (cedar/beech)
Dial frames: die-cast aluminum metal, silver finish
Pushers and mechanisms: chrome-plated metal

DIMENSIONS
Total width: 22 cm
Height: 12.5 cm
Depth: 6 cm
Diameter of each dial: 75 mm

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Vintage mechanical chess clock produced by the GARDE Ruhla manufactory in East Germany (DDR), before 1990. It is one of the most celebrated and sought-after chess clocks in the world: the GARDE Ruhla model served as the official clock for numerous World Chess Championships, including the historic Fischer–Spassky match of 1972 in Reykjavik and the Kasparov–Short world championship final of 1993, the last world match timed with an analog clock.

Front:
Two circular dials with silver aluminum frames. White background, black Arabic numerals, black hour and minute hands. Each dial features the distinctive red star-shaped "flag" hand to signal the last 5 minutes of play, on both sides. Vertical red indicator stem positioned near 12. The cursive "ruhla" inscription at the center of each dial. The inscription "MADE IN GDR" stamped on the lower inner edge of each dial. The "GARDE" logo on a raised metal nameplate, placed at the center of the panel between the two dials.
Top:
Two mushroom-shaped metal pushers in knurled chrome, one for each clock, mounted on a metal stem protruding from the case. Both present and intact.
Back:
Two circular cast aluminum covers, fixed with screws. Each bears: central winding crown, adjustment lever, and a half-moon time-setting hole. All mechanical components present and complete. Two decorative red screws at the upper corners of the rear panel.

OPERATION
Spring-driven mechanism, manual winding via keys on the back. No batteries required. The two dials are mechanically linked so that only one is in operation at a time.

CONDITION
Very good for its age. The wood shows a natural patina of time, with no breaks, chips or visible restorations. Clean dials. Intact hands and flags on both sides. Winding and adjustment mechanisms present and complete.

PACKAGING
Stored in the original cardboard box – a rare element that significantly increases the collectible value of the piece.

HISTORICAL AND COLLECTOR VALUE
The GARDE Ruhla model is considered the most important analog chess clock ever produced. The presence of the inscription "MADE IN GDR" unequivocally identifies it as an authentic vintage piece, distinct from later modern reproductions made in China. A piece of interest for collectors of chess, vintage clocks, and items from East Germany. Accurate shipping.