SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CLOCK & WATCH MUSEUM WINTERTHUR

Ornate astronomical monstrance clock

Ornate astronomical monstrance clock

Augsburg, c. 1600

This ornate astronomical clock in the shape of a monstrance is an outstanding example of the watchmaker’s art. The face represents the firmament, criss-crossed with lines of the celestial sphere. Mapped on this lacy web, the fixed stars circle 366 times a year, indicating their position. The sun hand moves through the zodiac once a year. The point where the sun hand intersects the outer edge of the zodiac ring indicates the sign of the zodiac, the month and also – on the horizontal line – sunrise and sunset, while the moon hand indicates the lunar phase. In addition, the clock shows future eclipses of the moon and the sun, as well as astrological constellations and feast days. The dials on the narrow sides are for astronomical calendar purposes.

Signed PB with Augsburg hallmark (Paulus Braun guild master 1581)

The ornate astronomical monstrance clock is a permanent exhibit in the Konrad Kellenberger Collection.

Permanent exhibition

A universe of ticking craftsmanship – the Konrad Kellenberger Collection

A universe of ticking craftsmanship – the Konrad Kellenberger Collection
Bernese wooden wheel clock with figure automatons, Bern region, 1793

The internationally renowned collection of Konrad Kellenberger includes iron house clocks manufactured in the German and French-speaking areas and dating from the 15th to the 17th centuries, as well as the now world-famous console clocks made by the Liechti family of clockmakers in Winterthur.

Another highlight of the exhibition is the unparalleled collection of Swiss wooden wheel clocks dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries, which is probably the most comprehensive of its kind. In striking contrast, the display also contains sumptuous and ornate clocks dating from the Renaissance era, including a unique monstrance clock made in Augsburg in c. 1600.

To the Konrad Kellenberger Collection

Permanent exhibition

The era of the watch – the Oscar Schwank Collection

The era of the watch – the Oscar Schwank Collection
Gold pocket watch, Paris, 1806. Signed Breguet, No. 1885

The former Kellenberger Clock and Watch Collection gained a remarkable addition at the end of 2012, when Oscar Schwank’s collection of pocket watches arrived in Winterthur with some 220 items, enriching the existing exhibition immensely by covering an important area that had hitherto hardly been represented at all.

Oscar Schwank bought only the best pieces and built up his collection with great care and deliberation. The watches demonstrate both technical expertise and artistic refinement, while at the same time acting as a manifestation of wealth and social status.

To the Oscar Schwank Collection

Information for media professionals

Twice a year, the Clock & Watch Museum Winterthur sends out media information about our current temporary exhibitions, guest items and the themed public tours held as part of the "Museum at lunchtime" series. Information about the permanent exhibitions and events may be found on our website.

Brigitte Vinzens
Curator Clock & Watch Museum Winterthur

+41 (0)52 267 51 36 / 28