In an era dominated by fleeting digital moments, we often find ourselves drawn to the enduring narratives of history. Consider the rich tapestry of watchmaking history, interwoven with the evolution of our modern lives. Reflect on the journey of HODINKEE itself, growing and evolving within a relatively short span. And contemplate the history of travel, its past glories, and the uncharted territories of its future. A common thread binds these seemingly disparate realms: the history of transportation and the pivotal role of horological innovation in shaping its trajectory. Today, we delve into this fascinating connection and introduce a piece that embodies this very spirit – the Travel Clock.
For years, we have been captivated by the intricate beauty and remarkable precision of American railroad-grade pocket watches from the late 19th century. These timepieces, born in the fin-de-siècle, represent the pinnacle of American horological artistry, boasting elaborate designs and groundbreaking technical achievements. Similarly, the elegance and functionality of objects associated with the dawn of commercial aviation in the late 1920s and early 1930s have always held a special allure for us. Among these treasures are the travel clocks, essential companions nestled within the luggage of early globetrotters. Before the advent of the GMT wristwatch and even before Louis Cottier conceived the worldtime complication, discerning travelers relied on ingenious solutions to track time across borders. The eight-day travel alarm clock emerged as the quintessential answer.
These were not merely functional tools; they were objets d’art, exquisite in their craftsmanship, serving both as reliable timekeepers and indispensable reminders for travelers navigating new time zones and demanding schedules. The HODINKEE team has long been enamored with these historical travel clocks. During an overseas expedition several years ago, we unearthed a treasure trove of untouched vintage movements. Recognizing a unique opportunity, we embarked on a journey to share these horological gems with the world. Years of meticulous development, countless design iterations, and prototype refinements have culminated in our latest creation: The HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock. This is our contemporary interpretation of the classic travel clocks we so admire, conceived and designed from the ground up in our New York City headquarters, as an homage to the pioneers who first traversed the globe.
The HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock
The HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock
$5,900
Hodinkee Eight-Day Travel Clock Right View
The Essence of the Eight-Day Travel Clock for HODINKEE
The HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock represents the latest chapter in our ongoing exploration of beautiful objects that mark the passage of time. Its aesthetic lineage can be directly traced to the vintage travel alarm clocks that grace our own desks – pieces we’ve exchanged as gifts and tokens of appreciation within our team. However, its core function remains true to the clocks that accompanied the first wave of air travelers, and its movement is of a caliber comparable to the finest travel clocks of a bygone era.
In its essence, the HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock is a manually wound mechanical marvel, boasting an impressive eight-day power reserve and a functional alarm complication. Its portability is paramount; its dimensions are carefully considered to fit snugly in the palm of your hand, slip discreetly into a jacket pocket, reside securely in an attaché or messenger bag, or rest elegantly on your bedside table at home. While the original purpose of these travel clocks as cutting-edge utilitarian objects may have evolved with time, we believe their design transcends their initial function. They embody a timeless aesthetic, resonating deeply with today’s discerning watch and design aficionados.
Our travel clock proudly showcases the defining design elements that characterize our favorite vintage examples. It is constructed from PVD-coated steel, meticulously hand-upholstered in supple goat leather, dyed in HODINKEE’s signature grey hue. The subtly graduated grey dial adds depth and sophistication, offering visual cues that are both refined and understated. While the overall design is a testament to the meticulous work of our in-house design team, the typeface chosen for the HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock holds a particularly compelling story.
Hodinkee Eight-Day Travel Clock Full Spread
Decimal Typeface: A Nod to Horological Heritage
The HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock features a bespoke typeface, “Decimal,” conceived by the globally acclaimed designer, passionate watch collector, and HODINKEE’s esteemed friend, Jonathan Hoefler. This unique typeface draws its inspiration from the distinctive lettering and numerals found on vintage wristwatches. The fascinating journey of Decimal’s creation was chronicled in the 2019 Netflix series, Abstract: The Art of Design. Many may also recall Hoefler’s insightful conversation on HODINKEE Radio, shortly after the series premiered. Decimal emerged from a profound appreciation for vintage wristwatches – a sentiment that mirrors the very genesis of HODINKEE, making this collaboration a harmonious and natural partnership.
Hodinkee Eight-Day Travel Clock Mid Left View
Image credit: Hoefler & Co.
Decimal doesn’t simply emulate a single timepiece or design era. Instead, it synthesizes the common threads that run through decades of watch design, distilling them into a cohesive and articulate visual language. For vintage watch enthusiasts, Decimal evokes a sense of warm familiarity. Consider, for instance, the flattened top of the numeral “4” and the letter “A” in “8 DAY” on the dial of the HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock. Historically, this distinctive flat-top style was prevalent in mid-century watches. Dial makers and designers of that period strategically employed this technique to manage the natural behavior of ink and enamel on the dial surface. Extending strokes, like the flat top on the “4,” helped control the pooling effect of the liquid as it dried. These subtle historical nuances captivated Hoefler’s discerning eye, making Decimal an exceptionally fitting typeface for the HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock dial.
Decimal Typeface Detail Left
Decimal Typeface Detail Right
The Enduring Allure of a Mechanical Clock
Just as a meticulously finished and ingeniously engineered wristwatch deserves close examination and appreciation, a high-quality mechanical clock possesses an undeniable presence that surpasses almost any other object. Positioned prominently in a home or office, a clock commands attention through its inherent mechanical substance and captivating aesthetic. The vintage travel alarm clocks that we have personally amassed over the years are irresistibly charming devices, brimming with intricate details and a distinct horological spirit unlike anything else we’ve encountered. They offer a unique lens through which to experience and appreciate the passage of time, and it is precisely this sentiment that we aspire to share with you through our travel clock.
The travel alarm clocks that inspired us were crafted by some of the most esteemed makers and retailed by iconic brands such as Hermès and Cartier – names synonymous with global sophistication and timeless elegance. While fundamentally functional, the designs of these vintage clocks exuded a bold Art Deco flair. The HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock refrains from the overt ornamentation of that era, offering a refreshing and understated interpretation of the genre, retaining the refined spirit in a muted, sophisticated grey palette.
The HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock
The HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock
$5,900
Hodinkee Eight-Day Travel Clock Footer
Mid-Century Design, Contemporary Sensibilities for the Modern Traveler
Despite its inherent connection to travel, we acknowledge a likely reality: the HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock may spend more time on your desk than in transit. And that is perfectly acceptable – it mirrors the home life of our own cherished travel clocks. There is an undeniable satisfaction in having a mechanical clock as a desk companion. It serves as both an antidote to the frenetic pace of modern life and a welcome respite from the ubiquitous digital screens that have largely supplanted analog and mechanical instruments. It is our sincere hope that the HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock will bestow upon its owner the same sense of clarity and calm that we have found in our own vintage clocks.
Hodinkee Eight-Day Travel Clock Small Flex Left
Hodinkee Eight-Day Travel Clock Small Flex Center
Hodinkee Eight-Day Travel Clock Small Flex Right
While exquisitely designed externally, the inner workings of the HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock remain fundamentally straightforward, adhering to the time-honored principles of mechanical alarm clocks for over a century. A mainspring is wound, storing potential energy. When the set alarm time is reached, this energy is released abruptly, engaging a gear train that drives a hammer to strike against a resonating chamber or bell. The resulting alarm is a sonorous sound with rich tonal depth, a stark contrast to the often jarring chirps of digital alarms.
Hodinkee Eight-Day Travel Clock Alarm Background
HEAR THE ALARM
The Art of Craftsmanship: How It Was Made
Our vintage movements originate from a small Swiss manufacturer named Pontifa, nestled in Les Ponts-de-Martel, within the canton of Neuchâtel. Founded in 1850, Pontifa produced movements for a diverse range of timekeeping instruments, from pocket watches to dashboard clocks. However, their specialty lay in eight-day travel alarm clocks, precisely like ours. For decades, movements crafted by Pontifa were the choice of some of the most prestigious names in watchmaking. To discover a substantial quantity of these movements in unused, virtually new-old-stock condition is an unprecedented find within the contemporary clock collecting community. To ensure the impeccable physical construction of the clock, we are collaborating with a leading and long-established firm in the modern industry, renowned for its expertise in clocks and complications. This partnership ensures that despite the vintage heart beating within, the HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock is far from a museum piece. It is a fully functional instrument, thoughtfully engineered for the discerning tastes of contemporary watch collectors and travelers alike.
Mastering Ownership: Caring for Your Travel Clock
The HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock possesses a substantial weight, indicative of its uncompromising construction and quality. For those new to clock ownership, this solid build might be a pleasant surprise. Indeed, the maintenance and care of these mechanical devices present unique aspects that may be unfamiliar to those who have not yet explored the world of clocks.
Hodinkee Eight-Day Travel Clock Key
Each HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock is accompanied by a dedicated key for setting and winding. The clock’s rear features two crown-like hexagonal arbors and three folding tabs, each serving a distinct function. The movement requires winding every eight days. After eight days, the unmarked tab should be turned counterclockwise until resistance is felt, indicating a full wind. To set the time, the key is used to turn the arbor labeled with a handset icon counterclockwise. The remaining arbor is for setting the alarm time. Using the key, set the alarm counterclockwise – this direction is crucial, as turning it clockwise can damage the delicate movement. Once the alarm sounds, it will be fully unwound. To wind the alarm, turn the tab engraved with an alarm bell counterclockwise. The extent to which the alarm is wound directly influences its volume; ensure it is fully wound for optimal audibility. The alarm ON/OFF tab automatically switches to ON when the alarm is wound. A comprehensive instruction manual, detailing best practices for use, is included with each clock.
Hodinkee Eight-Day Travel Clock Transparent Pointer Front
SEE BACK
Hodinkee Eight-Day Travel Clock Final Mobile Callout Front
SEE BACK
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PVD-coated steel case wrapped in goat leather
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Alarm hand
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100% Swiss made
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Super-LumiNova hands
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First use of Decimal, a typeface inspired by vintage timepieces
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New-old-stock 8-Day Swiss movement
The Fine Print: An Invitation to Ownership
In our modern travel essentials, less is often more. Our packing philosophy leans towards minimalism: a watch, a camera, and essential clothing. These are the tools we use to capture and share stories about products and passions. This travel clock is a tangible embodiment of that very vision. We hope the HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock introduces a new generation of collectors to the unique charm of a horological genre we deeply admire, whether they are at home or exploring the world.
The HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock is available exclusively in the HODINKEE Shop for $5,900. Due to the limited availability of movements, only 96 examples will be produced – no more, no less. Each clock is meticulously handcrafted, requiring time to achieve perfection. A limited number of clocks are available for immediate delivery, with more arriving shortly. Each clock includes a numbered certificate, a handmade shell cordovan carrying case with a suede interior, and a three-year warranty. Expedited worldwide shipping is included with every order. Visit the HODINKEE Shop to discover more, or contact [email protected] with any inquiries.
The HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock
The HODINKEE Eight-Day Travel Clock
$5,900
