Jefferson Clock Humor
by Roger Russell

Copyright 1996-2004 by Roger Russell
All rights reserved
No portion of this site may be reproduced in whole or in part
without written permission of the author.

These are NOT Jefferson clocks!

In fact, they aren't clocks at all. They're just two-dimensional images creating the illusion of clocks.

Mystery Clock Solved

Here's a recent discovery found in an old antique shop on a back street in Bellwood. The mystery of course is how to interpret the glyphs on the ring. Some experts from the NAUC (National Association of Unidentified Clocks) have claimed to see these strange markings glow and move at night. Others have tried orienting the clock in different positions with respect to the sun and from observing the shadow have concluded that this is actually a sundial.

Golden Hour In the Movies

Here's a fun game. How many different movies or TV shows have you seen with a Golden Hour clock in the background? Better yet, have you seen any of the other Jefferson clocks in movies or TV shows? I have only found one so far and contributions are welcome.

The Long Walk Home 1990 with Sissy Spacek and Whoopi Goldberg

Funny Golden Hour Ads

How many Golden Hour clock ads have we seen on ebay with strange descriptions? Faced with the task of describing an unfamiliar clock, I think the sellers have been very creative in making an explanation about how the clock works and what it is made of. Although far from accurate, it does make some interesting and imaginative advertising. It also looks like some sellers have copied a few of these descriptions from other sellers. I have preserved them as they appeared, including the spelling.

Being in a position of knowledge about the Golden Hour clocks, we know it has no ball bearings or magnets that make the hands turn. We also know that the hour hand must be loose or it won't turn properly. We know if you can set the time by turning the glass that the glass has come unglued from the outer gear ring or the motor gears are stripped. After having a chemical analysis made, we know the clock is not made of brass but a zinc alloy. We know from Jefferson advertising that the clock is plated with 24K gold.

I believe this is called a centrifugal clock - It has "Magic Hands". It is called the Jefferson - Golden Hour Electric Clock.

Vintage Golden Hour electric clock made by the Jefferson Clock Co. in the 1950's. This is an original Golden Hour clock.

called the GOLDEN HOUR clock .. great ART DECO design featuring 2 circular panels of glass that revolve to move the clock hands

The motor runs and the clock seems to work fine, but the hour hand may need some adjustment because if touched it just freefalls around the dial. If you don't touch it it will move correctly.

THE CLUE IS: The outer rim moves very very slowly to the point no one can see it move as time ticks on. The hands never move. It is just an amazing vintage clock.

Jefferson Golden Hour electric clock 580-101, burgundy plate on bottom. Brasstone metal clock is currently working. Interesting clock works on ball bearings in outside rim that turn the glass.

Brass and glass electric clock that runs by magnets. It was made by JEFFERSON ELECTRIC COMPANY in Bellwood, Illinois named the GOLDEN HOUR clock catalog no. 580-101. I have not cleaned the clock, it is brushed brass with a few discoloration marks.

The minute hand works perfectly, however the hour hand seems to dangle. It is real close to being perfect. 

This clock was made by the Jefferson clock company of Bellwood, Illinois and it works great. It's set by rotating the glass for the minute hand and rotating complete turns for the hour hand.

It runs beautifully, my husband set it and let it run for a couple of months.in that time, it only lost 2 minutes, not bad! He said when you set it, to be sure and have the drop on the backside down, otherwise it will pull the hour hand to a different position. As to why it even runs at all, we are baffled...just one of those " gee, I wonder how that works" clocks.

Jefferson Golden Hour Electric Clock (has a loose hour hand),

ART DECO 1950'S JEFFERSON GOLDEN HOUR MAGNETIC ELECTRIC CLOCK WORKS PERFECT.

The hour hand is mounted on a glass disc that rotates every 12 hours. The minute hand is mounted on a hidden gearbox that uses gravity to help rotate the hand.

It is made out of brass and the face is made out of glass.

THE HOUR HAND HAS A COUNTER BALANCE THEREFORE GIVING THE CORRECT TIME.

THIS MYSTERY CLOCK SHOWS THE HOUR BY THE GLASS ROTATING INSTEAD OF THE HANDS.

it is a rare clock becouse the glass moves not the hands .thay are hard to find. it is an original it ha the red burgundy botton it has a brass coating on it

Stands 9" high, 7-1/2" in diameter, works, hands are loose though, just need to be tightened.

Runs by a magnet going around the circle, pulling the hands by magnetic force! Really interesting! GLASS clock face is mint, BRASS body is near mint.

Numbers and lines have white enamel painted centers. Hands are centered on glass face, with no visable means of movement. I believe that they work on a magnetic field created when clock is plugged in, at least that is what I have been told. The clock is set by turning the front side pointed knob while clock is plugged in. This will adjust the hour hand also.

The hour hand is mounted on a glass disc that rotates every 12 hours. The minute hand is mounted on a hidden gearbox that uses gravity to help rotate the hand.

The finish is nice and shiny, a magnet does not stick, so believed to be brass,...

An interesting antique. An Art Deco Clock titled "Golden Hour" from the Jefferson Electric Clock Co. Bellwood, Illinois.

ART DECO 1950'S JEFFERSON GOLDEN HOUR MAGNETIC ELECTRIC CLOCK WORKS PERFECT.

This auction is for what I have seen called a magic clock, as the arms seem to float on a glass face, and rotates with no visible electrical connection. The finish is nice and shiny, a magnet does not stick, so believed to be brass,

A kind ebayer explained to me that the glass turns on this clock, and the balance on the back counterbalences to keep the time.

JEFFERSON MYSTERY CLOCK,GOLD COLOR,GLASS FACE IS IN GOOD CONDITION,HANDS ARE GOOD,ONE IS LOOSE. "DOES NOT HAVE A MOTOR" MARKED ON THE BOTTOM JEFFERSON GOLDEN HOUR ELECTRIC CLOCK.JEFFERSON ELECTRIC COMPANY,BELLWOOD ILLINOIS.115 VAC,60 CY ONLY,25 WATTS.

Clear glass face, solid brass base. I am told that this is a kind of magic clock- the hands do not move by themselves, but the actual face of the clock does move and tells the hands where to go.

It is embossed on the bottom Jefferson Golden Hour Mystery Clock.

Everything is there but the hour hand is loose and it isn't working at the moment. The glass is in excellent condition. I am not a clock person so I don't know what is required to get it going again.

The metal hands have no mechanical contact with the metal base which houses the motor.

The clock works but the gears which rotate the glass plates need tightening so the clock is being sold AS IS.

The clear glass dial is surrounded by a circular gold metal band, with the numerals on the band. The metal band has no mechanical contact with the metal base.

It is a novelty clock because it has no motors or electricity attached to the clock hands. it has an electro magnetic force around the glass clock face that pulls the clock hands to position.

This clock is made of Brass tone Aluminum and has a very DECO Look

It is brushed brass and the hands are mounted on glass with the numbers on the outer brass rim.

Magnatic Art Deco clock

Jefferson Golden Hour Electric Clock that appears to have a movement with no visible power source but the hands move by means of the glass dial turning on rollers situated in the base.

I am not positive, but I think the glass rotates, to run the clock. I had to rotate the glass to set it, so I am sure this is the case.

ITS ELECTRIC,BUT THE HANDS ARE MOVED BY A MAGNETIC FORCE AROUND A GLASS FACE

The clock body is in golden brushed metal (aluminum or stainless steel).

The glass dial has the hands centered and move with gravity. As the plug-in electric movement runs, it forwards the glass clockwise, and the hands move along with the movement of the glass. Nice effect.

This is a wonderful example of true ingenuity in that there is a special gear where the 2 hands meet and this "drives" the hands to move. In order to set the time once the clock is plugged in, you simply move the hand that faces the front, you do not do anything to the hand in the back. It has been plugged in here for a month and found to keep time perfectly.. It stands 9" tall and 7 1/4" across. There is no damage of any kind. The outer edge and bottom is made of a brass plated alloy and the face is glass.

Hands seem suspended in air, on clear glass background. No wires or workings. Move by Magnetic pulse from inside unit base.

This is a example of a nice coversation piece that will have your friends asking HOW DOES THAT WORK? Only you will know that the glass moves and the floating hands stay still.

Brass not corroded but somewhat dirty and I don't really know how to clean it. Keeps pretty good time - a couple of minutes off a week - really just a couple -don't remember which way.

Nice Jefferson Golden Hour Clock, feels like brass & glass, about 9" tall. Not working, one hand loose.

This is a very neat old deco clock that creates a magnetic field to make the hands of the clock to move!

the minute hand seems to work fine but the hour hand does not seem to move and when you try to set it it seems loose maybe if you are handy with these things it can be fixed up

Nice Jefferson Globe electric CLOCK works.

i don't know how to set it--i guess you wait until the time it shows and then plug it in

the hands are suspended in mid glass with their own rachet system to keep time,very deco

Vintage Jefferson Golden Hour Gravity Clock - Amazing ! This Unique Clock, when it first came out, was a Revolution Design Because It Operates On Gravity !! There's No Gears Made by Jefferson Electric Clock

There are no wires visible to power the clock motor.

Refereed to as the "mystery clock" because there isn't any electricity to the hour hand nor the minute hand.

The term mystery applies since there is no electricity going to the hour and minute hand.

Great working Johnson 'Golden Hour' time piece. Brass base has been polished.

Hands move by counter balance. Brass frame, glass dial and hand movement.

This clock is ran by an intregate balance system and the balance is on the little hand in the back.

Art Deco style Jefferson Motionless Clock. This clock is made by the jefferson Electric Company. The measures: 9" by 7 1/2". The clock does run, and works by vibration!!

Second hand works fine - I can't figure out how to set the hour hand although it did move - Case has minor scratches, but is not tarnished.

I believe they called the magic clock. The glass is turned in the frame by an electromagnetic field if memory serves me correctly. The hands are counterbalanced so that they keep synonymous time.

This is a beautiful clock, in working condition,it is very unusual, the rim rotates to give the time and the hands are counter balanced, one on each side of the glass, the hands and glass are not moved by the clock, it has dust and grime on it from use, I did not want to clean it as I may damage it, when I wipe away the dust it has a silver colour, I am not sure if that is the finish coming off or it is the natural colour.

It appears to have gold metal exterior frame surrounding a suspended glass face of clock, so how does it work?? AHAH...gotchya, see how and why it is called a MYSTERY CLOCK?? I believe it is magnetic fields or ???

….it seemed like the center piece where all the gears and hands screw together had become loosened, perhaps from years of lying deep in the blanket chest full of crap where i found it.

The motor works, the hands don't move. I shrug, it's a mystery.

Hour hand moves on a hidden conveyer Belt.

Jefferson Golden Hour Perpetual Motion Clock

The motor runs, but the hands will not turn - I think there is a magnet in the rim that pulls the hands along, and it must be stuck or need replaced-you clock people will know.

Dont know the age of this clock but the base is Bakelite--made by Jefferson Clock company with the "magic" movement, works most of the time but does get stuck, likely needs a tune up and cleaning--the brass is fading/tarnishing in places but is in very nice shape, considering it's age

THIS IS A FABULOUS CLOCK MADE ABOUT 50 YEARS AGO BY THE "JEFFERSON CLOCK COMPANY, BELLWOOD, ILLINOIS"

I couldn't figure out how to set it, other than to just push the minute hand around, (and I was afraid this might damage it), so I just plugged it in when the actual time matched that on the face

…ENABLES THE COMPLEX PRECISELY GEARED SELF CONTAINED HANDS IN THE CENTER TO KEEP TIME BY GRAVITY ALONE.WHAT HAS MADE THIS A RARE COLLECTIBLE IS THAT THERE IS NO PHYSICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN THE MOTOR AND CENTER ASSEMBLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GLASS.

THEY CALL IT A MYSTERY CLOCK BECAUSE IT IS HARD TO FIGURE OUT HOW IT WORKS. THE BIG HAND IS ON THE FACE SIDE OF THE GLASS AND THE LITTLE HAND ON THE OTHER. THE CLOCK REPAIR GUY WHO I BOUGHT IT FROM SAID HE COULDNT REALLY FIGURE IT OUT. HE SAID THE GLASS IS WHAT MOVES. 

the minute and hour hands seem to be suspended in the center of the clock.  More unusual - the time is set by moving the glass plate. 

IN THE CENTER IS A KNOB THAT YOU TURN TO ADJUST THE TENSION ON THE HANDS, THAT SLOWS DOWN OR SPEEDS UP THE HANDS, YOU ADJUST IT TO KEEP THE TIME. WE USED IT EVERYDAY FOR 3 YEARS AND THEN PUT IT IN STORAGE!!!

There is a secret, of course - a clear glass face that rotates by a ratcheting system.

Here is a great vintage hard to find Jefferson Mystery clock. What makes these so cool is that you cant see any of the lock parts as the arms move with magnets. This clock is in great working order with no damage and had the bakelite bottom with the Jefferson mystery clock on the bottom of the clock.

This is called a centrifugal clock - It has "Magic Hands". It is called the Jefferson - Golden Hour Electric Clock. Vintage Golden Hour electric clock made by the Jefferson Clock Co. in the 1950's. This is an original Golden Hour clock. Called the GOLDEN HOUR clock .. great ART DECO design featuring 2 circular panels of glass that revolve to move the clock hands. THE CLUE IS: The outer rim moves very very slowly to the point no one can see it move as time ticks on. The hands never move. It is just an amazing vintage clock. Brass and glass electric clock that runs by magnets. It was made by JEFFERSON ELECTRIC COMPANY in Bellwood, Illinois named the GOLDEN HOUR clock catalog no. 580-101. I have not cleaned the clock, it is brushed brass.

Made by the Jefferson Electric Clock Co. It is called the "Golden Hour Clock". It is approximately 9" x 7-1/2" and is made out of gold plated metal and glass. The frame is gold plated metal and the circular part is glass which is weighted - apparently the hands do not move but the glass has a weight on it which moves the minute hand.

The clock shows much use on the brassware, otherwise it is in good cosmetic condition. The clock was plugged in for a total time of 5 minutes. The second hand did move and we believe this to be in working order.

Motors are running, but hands may have to be re-wired.

Other Jefferson Clocks

 

It is heavy. Use it for a clock/door stop. I don't know who Jefferson 500 is. I HAVE heard of Jefferson Airplane....and there is that propeller like thing on the bottom of this....

Jefferson "500" Electric Clock. The clock weighs 2 3/4 pounds and the Jefferson Lamp Company did not make throw away products.

 

Mastercrafters Fantasy Clock

 

Rectangle Glass Dial is transparent and applied with gold colored Hour and Minute Hands. Gold colored Frame Bezel engraved with white Hour Numerals and Markers.

The Hands run by Movement through invisible electric wire placed in the Glass. Fancy decorated Base of the Clock made of gold tone metal.

 

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More text and pictures about Jefferson will be added as my research continues. Any comments, corrections, or additions are welcome.

 

 

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by Roger Russell. All rights reserved