Mid Century RFT Wall Clock - 1960s

CHF 1,270.00

Mid-century industrial wall clock made by Rundfunk & Fernmelde Technik (RFT) in former East Germany (GDR) in 1968. This large 46cm wide electric wall clock features a glossy Bakelite case, a gold-toned metal rear plate, and a warm coffee-coloured clock face with black minute markers. The combination of rich tones and high-gloss finish gives it a distinctive, understated mid-century elegance.

The clock retains its original electric mechanism, running smoothly, and is driven by the included‍ ‍VEEB Clock Driver for reliable time synchronisation.

Mid-century industrial wall clock made by Rundfunk & Fernmelde Technik (RFT) in former East Germany (GDR) in 1968. This large 46cm wide electric wall clock features a glossy Bakelite case, a gold-toned metal rear plate, and a warm coffee-coloured clock face with black minute markers. The combination of rich tones and high-gloss finish gives it a distinctive, understated mid-century elegance.

The clock retains its original electric mechanism, running smoothly, and is driven by the included‍ ‍VEEB Clock Driver for reliable time synchronisation.

 

Who Made The Clock?

Rundfunk & Fernmelde Technik, Germany

A Timeline of Rundfunk & Fernmelde Technik (RFT) Timeline

  • Dissolution of RFT brand 1990
    With the reunification of Germany, the RFT collective was gradually dissolved. Many of its factories were shut down or privatized, marking the end of a unique era in East German industrial history.
  • Peak of RFT production 1970s–1980s
    RFT reaches its production peak, supplying telecommunications, radio, television, and industrial timing equipment across the Eastern Bloc. The brand becomes synonymous with East German electronics.
  • Mid-century manufacturing boom 1960s
    RFT begins mass production of industrial clocks and equipment, like the one featured here, reflecting the East German government’s drive for standardisation and technological self-sufficiency.
  • RFT branding established 1950s
    The trademark "R.F.T." becomes widely adopted as a unifying brand across multiple companies in East Germany producing electronics, particularly for state use.
  • Formation of RFT collective 1948
    R.F.T. is formed by merging various pre-war and wartime electronics firms under Soviet direction. These include parts of Siemens and AEG. The goal: to centralise production of telecommunications and broadcast equipment in the new German Democratic Republic (GDR).