Vienna, early 20th century
- Case
- white lacquered octagonal metal case
- Dial
- white lacquered metal
- Movement
- brass movement by Junghans with anchor escapement and short pendulum, marked "Junghans Württemberg A52", duration of one week
- Measurements
- 11¾ × 11¾ in
The concept for the model of this minimalist wall clock is attributed to Adolf Loos (1870 Brno – 1933 Kalksburg/Vienna), one of the most important pioneers of modern architecture. For Loos, clocks and lamps were essential design elements of interior architecture, whereby clear shapes, simple materials and discreet colors are characteristic of his style. The driving force of his puristic style is in the art of omission. From 1897 onwards, the theoretical writings of Loos were published, the most well-known of them is surely “Ornament and Crime”. As an architect, Loos designed numerous villas and buildings together with their interior furnishing; this includes the Café Museum, the “American Bar” or the famous Loos-House at the Michaelerplatz in Vienna.
A clock of this shape can be seen in a contemporary photograph (by M. Gerlach jun., no. 3248) of the interior of the villa of Karl and Hilda Strasser (Kupelwiesergasse 28, Vienna) designed by Loos in 1918/19.
A further clock of this design is published and illustrated in Eva B. Ottillinger: Adolf Loos. Wohnkonzepte und Möbelentwürfe (Living Concepts and Furniture Designs), Salzburg 1994, no. 62, p. 66, 160 a. 179.