Flip clock, Table clock - Sankyo Space Age Plastic, Metal - 1960-1970 - Tested & Working Order

A remarkable and increasingly hard-to-find Sankyo electromechanical drum flip clock calendar, manufactured in Japan during the golden age of Space Age design.
Unlike conventional flip clocks, this model features an impressive system of large rotating drums displaying the day of the week, date, hours, minutes and AM/PM indicator. The oversized drums create a striking visual effect and showcase the ingenious mechanical engineering typical of high-quality Japanese production from the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The clock is housed in its original plastic case, finished in orange and complemented by a brushed aluminium front panel, a classic combination that perfectly reflects the futuristic aesthetic of the era. Although the display appears almost suspended and "screenless" from the front, this is an intentional design feature: the mechanism is fully enclosed within its original housing, while the narrow viewing aperture creates the illusion of a floating display emerging from the aluminium panel.
Its compact dimensions make it suitable for a desk, shelf or design collection, while the unusual calendar display ensures it remains a conversation piece even among seasoned collectors.
This example is fully functional and tested, with smooth drum transitions and quiet operation. The mechanism operates reliably on 220V / 50Hz European power and all display functions work correctly, including the day, date and AM/PM indicators.
A particularly attractive feature is the sophisticated internal mechanism, visible in the photographs, revealing the complex arrangement of cams, gears and synchronized drums that drive the calendar and time displays. This engineering solution is a fine example of Japanese electromechanical ingenuity before the widespread adoption of digital displays.
Specifications
• Manufacturer: Sankyo
• Made in Japan
• Period: 1970s
• Electromechanical drum flip clock calendar
• Day of week display
• Date display
• Hour and minute display
• AM / PM indicator
• 220V – 50Hz European version
• Silent operation
• Width: 18 cm
• Height: 9 cm
• Depth: 8 cm
• Weight: approximately 650 g
Condition
In good vintage condition with normal signs of age and use consistent with its period. Fully tested and working. Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an integral part of the description.
Video
A video showing the clock in operation is available here:
https://youtube.com/shorts/ENR2yZzd2fo
An unusual and highly decorative Japanese Space Age timepiece that combines mechanical ingenuity, industrial design and everyday functionality in a compact collector's format.
The item offered is vintage, and pre-owned, and is described accurately and in good faith.
Before listing, the clock have been carefully cleaned, tested, and documented with detailed photographs. All functions mentioned in the description have been tested and verified. A final functionality check is performed again before shipment.
Photographs 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 item, signs of age and normal wear are to be expected and are consistent with its age.
Colours may vary slightly due to lighting conditions and screen settings.
The item will be professionally packed using protective materials and double-boxed where appropriate double-box method. Particular attention is given to protecting unit.
Shipping is tracked and insured.
The item is handed over to the carrier in the same condition as documented prior to dispatch.
In the unfortunate case of damage during transport, the buyer is invited to follow the platform’s claim procedure in a timely manner.
The buyer is responsible for providing a correct shipping address and for collecting the parcel within the carrier’s specified timeframe.
By placing a bid/purchase, the buyer acknowledges having read and accepted the description and seller terms.