Metamec 1848 Zodiac Wall Clock — Rare 1960s Grey Bakelite, Brass Bezel

1960s Metamec grey bakelite zodiac wall clock, Model 1848 — a striking illustrated zodiac wheel with all twelve star signs rendered in fine detail around a silver dial. 21.6cm (8.5 inches) diameter, new silent sweep quartz movement, hands sympathetically matched to the originals, fully working. Ready to hang.

Metamec — The Pride of Dereham, Norfolk

Metamec was founded in Dereham, Norfolk in 1947 and grew to become the largest clock manufacturer in the United Kingdom, at their peak employing around 750 workers and producing 350 different models and 25,000 clocks every week. Their zodiac-dial clocks are among the more unusual and sought-after designs from the range — a genuine departure from the standard sunburst and kitchen clocks that dominate the Metamec catalogue, and increasingly hard to find in this condition.

Twelve signs, finely illustrated

Unlike many zodiac clocks that reduce each sign to a simple symbol, the Model 1848 carries genuinely detailed illustrations of all twelve — the archer drawing his bow, a coiled scorpion, the twin heads of Gemini, a finely rendered ram, bull, crab, lion, and more — printed in silver against a two-tone silver dial, with brushed silver baton markers at each hour. Signed "Metamec" at centre. The case is finished in grey bakelite with a heavy brass bezel and a convex glass lens that sits proud of the wall, giving the whole piece genuine depth and presence. Originally fitted with a mains-powered movement — the type known for a loud, somewhat irritating tick — this example has been converted to a new, genuinely silent sweep quartz movement, with hands sympathetically matched to the originals. A real practical improvement over how these clocks originally ran, without losing any of the period character.

At 8.5 inches diameter and 2.5 inches deep, this is a substantial, eye-catching piece — a genuine conversation starter for anyone with an interest in astrology or unusual mid-century design.

Specifications

Condition

Excellent vintage condition. The grey bakelite case is in excellent condition, and the convex glass is unmarked. Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item's description.

A genuinely rare and distinctive Metamec design — now silent, and ready to hang.

Shipping

Free tracked delivery across the UK. We ship to the US and internationally. US orders only: all duties/taxes covered upfront. Non-US buyers may face local import charges outside our control — check with your customs authority before ordering. Every item packed carefully.

Please note: as stated in our shop policy, buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply outside the UK. US orders are the exception — duties are covered upfront by us.