Mechanical Timer - Industrial Aluminium - 1960-1970 - Jaeger Smiths Industries

A fascinating and highly distinctive **British mechanical 120-minute process timer**, featuring a dial signed **JAEGER** and manufactured in Great Britain by **English Clock Systems**, part of the Clock & Watch Division of **Smiths Industries Limited**.

This is not an ordinary domestic alarm clock, but a purpose-built **professional mechanical interval/process timer**, designed to measure predetermined periods of time and provide an audible mechanical signal at the end of the selected interval.

Design and construction

The timer has a particularly attractive piece of functional British industrial design.

Its compact body is constructed in metal and finished in silver-grey, with softly rounded corners and a strong geometric form. The almost square case contrasts beautifully with the large circular black dial, creating the appearance of a scientific or technical instrument.

The black dial has bold white graphics and highly legible Arabic numerals. It incorporates two concentric timing scales, with the inner scale extending to the full **120-minute capacity**.

At the centre is the large knurled metal setting control.

Other characteristic design elements include:

* large circular metal carrying ring on the top
* two distinctive operating levers projecting from the side
* wide rectangular metal base
* four mounting holes in the base
* convex transparent front cover
* rear mechanical rate adjustment marked **+ / –**
* original black and white JAEGER instrument dial

The combination of its square industrial body, circular instrument display, exposed controls and functional metal fittings gives the timer a strong laboratory and workshop aesthetic.

### Mechanical 120-minute movement

The timer is **entirely mechanical** and requires **no electricity and no batteries**.

The required interval is selected through the central knurled knob, with a maximum duration of **120 minutes**.

Documentation relating to this English Clock Systems mechanism describes the timer as being graduated in one-minute divisions, with approximately ten minutes selected per complete revolution of the central control.

The side lever arrangement is used to wind the mainspring and start the timing cycle.

At the end of the selected period, the movement automatically operates an internal **mechanical bell**, producing an audible signal.

The rear of the mechanism also incorporates a **+ / – fine adjustment regulator** for the movement.

### Fully working – serviced and lubricated

This example has been **tested and is fully operational**.

The mechanical movement has been **inspected, serviced and lubricated**.

The countdown mechanism operates correctly and the **mechanical bell sounds correctly at the end of the selected timing period**.

A video demonstrating the timer in operation and the functioning bell can be viewed here:

https://youtu.be/FuqeOhioTQQ

### Original markings

The timer retains several important original markings.

The dial is signed:

**JAEGER**

and:

**MINUTEUR SONORE
120 MINUTES**

At the bottom of the dial:

**MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN**

The rear movement cover is embossed:

**MANUFACTURED BY
ENGLISH CLOCK SYSTEMS
A BRANCH OF THE
CLOCK & WATCH DIVISION OF
SMITHS INDUSTRIES LIMITED**

The movement itself is also marked:

**SMITHS INDUSTRIES LIMITED
GREAT BRITAIN**

These markings clearly document its British manufacture and connection with the Smiths industrial clock division.

### Jaeger and Smiths history

The **JAEGER** name on the dial is an interesting part of the history of British precision instrumentation.

Smiths originated in London in the 19th century and developed into one of Britain's most important manufacturers of clocks, watches and precision instruments.

In **1927 Smiths acquired a 75% interest in Ed. Jaeger (London) Ltd**, which subsequently became associated with **British Jaeger Instruments**. Smiths and Jaeger became particularly well known for precision instrumentation used in British cars, motorcycles, aviation and technical applications.

The presence of the JAEGER name on this timer therefore reflects this important historical relationship between the Jaeger name and the British Smiths industrial group.

This object should **not be confused with a Jaeger-LeCoultre clock**. It is a British Jaeger / Smiths industrial instrument.

The rear marking **Smiths Industries Limited** places it within the later Smiths period. On the basis of the company markings, construction and comparable documented examples, a dating of approximately the **late 1960s–1970s** is appropriate.

### English Clock Systems and professional use

English Clock Systems produced and marketed professional clock and timing equipment as part of the Smiths organisation.

This particular mechanism is documented as a **count-down process timer**, capable of measuring intervals of up to 120 minutes and sounding a bell when the selected period has elapsed.

Timers of this type were suitable for environments where a reliable, independent mechanical timing device was required, including:

laboratories, workshops, industrial processes, technical environments and photographic work.

Similar Smiths and English Clock Systems timers were also used in photographic darkrooms, where precise control of processing and exposure times was particularly important.

Because the timer is completely mechanical, it could operate independently of an electrical supply.

### Dimensions

Width: **14 cm**
Height: **11 cm**
Depth: **5 cm**

Please note that the projecting side levers and upper carrying ring can increase the overall external dimensions depending on their position.

### Condition

The timer is preserved in authentic vintage condition.

The metal case shows visible signs of age and previous professional use, including **paint loss, scratches, small marks, surface oxidation and wear**, particularly around the edges and on some of the projecting metal components.

The chrome-plated and metal fittings also show age-related wear and patina.

These cosmetic signs are clearly visible in the photographs and are consistent with the age and original utilitarian nature of the object.

The original patina has been preserved rather than cosmetically restored.

The movement has, however, been **serviced and lubricated and is currently functioning correctly**, including the mechanical end-of-cycle bell.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.

A particularly interesting and functional example of **British post-war industrial design and mechanical engineering**, combining the names **Jaeger, Smiths Industries and English Clock Systems** in a compact professional timing instrument.


The item is offered in original, vintage, and pre-owned, and is described accurately and in good faith.
Before listing, the item is carefully cleaned, tested, and documented with detailed photographs and, where applicable, a video showing its actual condition and functionality. All functions mentioned in the description are tested and verified and are tested 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 item, 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.The item will be professionally packed using protective materials, and double-boxed where appropriate. Shipping is tracked . 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 Catawiki’s guidelines 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. In case of non-collection, refusal of delivery, or 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 and video.
This is a vintage mechani item. 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. All stated functions have been tested and verified at the time of listing and again before shipment.
The item has not been modified unless explicitly stated and is intended for normal use consistent with its age, or for collection and display.