Mid Century Junghans Tambour Clock, Italian Burl Walnut Mantel, Rare Floating Balance Movement
Mid Century Junghans Tambour Clock, Italian Burl Walnut Mantel, Rare Floating Balance Movement
Blending refined Italian craftsmanship with innovative German engineering, this mid-century Junghans tambour mantel clock is a fascinating and increasingly uncommon example of European postwar design. Produced at the historic Junghans factory on the island of Giudecca in Venice, the clock combines a beautifully shaped Italian burl walnut case with advanced Junghans movement technology, in the 50’s, developed in Germany’s Black Forest.
The elegant tambour silhouette reflects the enduring influence of 1930s and 1940s Art Deco styling, while the richly patterned burl walnut veneer and dramatic black accents give the piece a warm and architectural presence. The dial is marked “Made in Italy,” reflecting the clock’s Venetian production for the Italian market.
What makes this clock especially interesting is its rare floating balance movement system, historically known as the Schwebegang or Exacta unit. Instead of relying on a traditional swinging pendulum, the balance mechanism is suspended within a transparent housing, representing an advanced mid-1950s engineering solution designed to allow more stable and level-independent timekeeping.
The clock retains its original mechanical striking mechanism. The movement ticks when slight pressure is applied to the clock hands, and when moving the hands manually, the chime strikes on both the half and full hours. The movement is therefore considered intermittent, and the clock is being sold primarily as a decorative and collectible display piece rather than as a fully reliable daily timekeeper. The original front glass is no longer present.
Rich in warmth and character, the clock works beautifully as a decorative statement piece for libraries, offices, mantel displays, and refined Art Deco or mid-century interiors.
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Condition
Good vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use. Partial functionality. Original front glass missing. The original winding key is included with the clock.