Too special not to share -

This highly important clock is an early example of the rare diminutive “dwarf” clocks produced in the Southeastern Massachusetts area.  The bulk of American dwarf clocks were produced in Plymouth county by the influential Bailey family of clockmakers or by the apprentices they trained.  This sophisticated early case is fashioned after a full size Chippendale case and is fitted with an exceedingly rare animated rider on horseback.  Only two other examples of an animated dwarf clock are known.   The combination of the very rare dwarf clock form, an animated movement, outstanding condition and first rate pedigree from the Barbour collection, truly distinguish this clock as a superlative example.  Height including center finial: 49 ½”, Width at hood: 12 ¼”  Depth at hood: 5 ”.

From Gary R. Sullivan Antiques.

View the clock in full glory after the jump.

Moss offers this lovely reproduction of a 1960s clock prototype from archives of German manufacture Jurghan. Made of brass with crystal covering the clock face. It stands 7 1/4 inches high.

British designer Michael Siney has designed a trio of clocks constructed of laser cut steel. All reflect a simplistic approach to design. Above is the Acero Clock, a neat little shelf that comes finished and also in a striking raw form. The collections wall clock is called Stahl, and there is also a take on the grandfather clock, the Lucid.

While I’m not fond of the Lucid, the others have some charm. More pictures of those after the jump. Info on the Lucid and some further background on each clock can be found at Contemporist.

Stanley Ruiz works in Brooklyn, New York. Since 2001 he has specialized in home furnishings and products, producing designs for large retailers throughout the world. His work balances a contemporary aesthetic afforded by new technologies and a raw feel derived from a deep interest and devotion to traditional handcrafts.

Ruiz’s “Raw” collection highlights the natural beauty of wood. The two products, clock and mirror, are both produced through CNC-milling and finished with hand cut leather. Here, Ruiz combines three important elements of his design – craft, nature, and technology. The clock, viewed above, is easily one of my favorite designs of 2009. Its simple, honest, functional, and devoid of superfluous embellishment.

The “Raw” mirror, after the jump.

Modernist inspired, skate driven, the Skate Study House team produces limited run furnishings with a solid mixed aesthetic. The “Launch of Cool” collection includes clock, lamp, and hang-up. Each piece is individually hand made. For a limited time, the pieces in the collection are offered in trio… thus, a good opportunity to start a collection of Skate House Study goods.

Lamp and hang-up after the jump.

Vitra is reviving George Nelson’s Turbine clock. Powered by a single battery the clock was first released in 1957. Nelson was one of the founding forces in American Modernism. He was born in Hartford, CT, and spent the majority of his career working as design director for Herman Miller. (via Retro to Go).