Flip clock - Sony Digimatic 8FC-59WA – 24H Flip Clock Radio – Copal Mechanism – Japan – c. 1969 Space Age Plastic, Metal - 1960-1970 - Tested & Working Order

Sony Digimatic 8FC-59WA – 24H Flip Clock Radio – Copal Mechanism – Japan – c. 1969
A fascinating early Sony Digimatic clock radio from the transitional period between traditional mechanical timekeeping and the first generation of electronic digital displays.
The Sony 8FC-59WA belongs to the first family of Sony flip-clock radios. In 1968 Sony introduced the 8FC-59 “Digital 24”, an innovative clock radio using mechanically operated numbered flaps to provide a digital-style time display. By around 1969, the 8FC series had evolved into the Digimatic range, including the present 8FC-59WA.
Sony’s production of mechanical flip clocks lasted for only a relatively short period before the company moved towards fully electronic digital displays during the early 1970s. This makes the early Digimatic series an especially interesting example of the transition from electromechanical to electronic timekeeping.
The design is unmistakably late-1960s Sony: a long, low-profile rectangular body in a warm off-white / light grey finish, combined with chrome-effect side controls and a large dark smoked translucent front panel.
The front panel is gently curved inward and creates a deep, almost black-glass appearance when the unit is switched off. Once illuminated, the clock and radio scale appear through the smoked surface with a very attractive layered optical effect.
One of the most appealing features of this example is the fully operational internal lighting system.
The unit contains four internal lights, all working correctly:
- green alarm indicator
- illumination for the flip-clock display
- two lights for the radio tuning scale
The warm red-orange illumination of the flip clock contrasts beautifully with the green alarm indicator and the illuminated tuning scale. In low light, the combination creates a particularly attractive visual effect through the smoked front panel.
The clock uses a Copal CG 23330 electromechanical mechanism and motor.
The clock mechanism has been tested and is working correctly. All number flaps are present.
The transition from 59 to 00 has been tested and works correctly, including the corresponding change of the hour.
The clock uses a 24-hour display, one of the most distinctive characteristics of this model.
Both alarm functions have been tested and are working:
- Radio alarm: working
- Buzzer alarm: working
The alarm setting system is positioned beside the main clock display and the green alarm indicator light is fully operational.
The mechanical sleep timer is also working correctly.
The grey button located on the top of the radio rises when the sleep function is activated and gradually moves downward as the selected time passes. This is a particularly interesting mechanical detail and a good example of Sony’s electromechanical engineering from this period.
The FM/AM radio has been tested and is working.
According to the original Sony specification plate:
FM: 87–108 MHz
AM: 530–1605 kHz
The following functions have been tested:
- tuning: working
- volume: working
- tone control: working
- illuminated tuning scale: working
The headphone jack has also been tested and is working correctly.
The headphone output is mono. When headphones are connected, the internal loudspeaker is automatically disconnected.
The original internal speaker is a Sony / Onkyo 183, rated at:
15 Ohm – 0.8 W
The internal speaker is working correctly.
This example has been carefully opened, inspected and cleaned internally.
The internal construction remains remarkably well organised considering its age and clearly reflects the quality of Japanese manufacturing of the period.
Visible original components include:
- Copal CG 23330 clock mechanism and motor
- OMRON microswitches – Made in Japan
- Hirakawa Type SPT power cable
- original Sony radio electronics
- Sony / Onkyo 183 internal loudspeaker – 15 Ohm, 0.8 W
More than half a century after manufacture, the internal mechanism, wiring and electronic components remain in good order, illustrating the high level of engineering, materials and component quality used by Sony during this period.
Technical specifications
Manufacturer: Sony Corporation
Model: 8FC-59WA
Series: Digimatic
Type: FM/AM 24-hour flip clock radio
Country of manufacture: Japan
Period: circa 1969 / early 1970s
Clock system: electromechanical flip display
Clock mechanism: Copal CG 23330
Transistors: 8
FM frequency range: 87–108 MHz
AM frequency range: 530–1605 kHz
Internal speaker: Sony / Onkyo 183
Speaker rating: 15 Ohm – 0.8 W
Headphone output: mono
Power supply: AC 230 V / 50 Hz
Power consumption: 5 W
Dimensions
Width: approx. 30 cm
Height: approx. 10 cm
Depth: approx. 13 cm
Weight: approx. 1.5 kg
The radio is in good vintage condition considering its age.
There are normal age-related signs of use on the casing and front panel, including small scratches, light surface marks and other traces consistent with an original object more than fifty years old.
The dark smoked front panel is complete and retains its characteristic gently inward-curved profile.
Please carefully examine all photographs, as they form an integral part of the description and show the actual cosmetic condition of the object.
A complete functional test can be viewed at the following link:
https://youtu.be/ryFtV96WDlc
The video shows the clock, flip mechanism, lighting, radio and other tested functions in operation.
Historical Sony advertisements, catalogue pages and period photographs may also be shown among the images of the lot.
These historical images are included for documentary and reference purposes only and are not included in the sale.
They are shown exclusively to illustrate the historical context, original design, period marketing and documentation relating to this Sony model.

This is an original vintage electronic object and not a newly manufactured appliance.
The item has been carefully inspected and function-tested before sale. Vintage electronic and electromechanical equipment may nevertheless react to movement, vibration, temperature changes and transport, and may occasionally require minor adjustment, cleaning or maintenance after delivery.
All functions described refer to the tests carried out before shipment and, where applicable, shown in the accompanying video.
The buyer is kindly requested to carefully review all photographs, the full description and the test video before placing a bid.
By placing a bid, the buyer confirms that the photographs, description and video have been reviewed and accepted.
Cosmetic condition is shown in detail in the photographs. Small age-related marks, scratches, colour variations and normal traces of previous use should be expected on an original vintage object.
Colours may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions, photography and individual screen settings.
The object will be carefully and securely packed, with particular attention to the flip-clock mechanism, smoked front panel and internal electromechanical components.
Appropriate protective materials and double packaging will be used where necessary.
The item will be shipped with tracking.