Technical Characteristics: Solora ‘dials with logos’ Chess Clock

• Name. Solora Chess Clock.
• Model. Solora Dials – Logo Dials.
• Maker. Hendricus KOOPMAN.
• Date. 1948 – 1960.
• Country. Switzerland.
• Mechanism. upper push buttons.
• Material. light oak wood.
• Measurements. Length 5.28 in – Width 2.17 in – Height 3.54 in ( Height with Buttons 3.94 in).
• Weight. 58.20 oz.

Description: Solora ‘dials with logos’ Chess Clock

The Solora ‘dials with logos’ chess clock is a small mechanical clock manufactured by the renowned clockmaker H. Koopman between 1948 and 1960.

It is a very special clock, we would say that it is unique, in the sense that it assembles wristwatch machinery brought together on a block of light oak wood specially precut for a perfect fit.

The mechanism of both clocks takes place by means of a simple change lever with red pushbuttons that complement its refined design.

The result is a chess clock with precise and silent machinery, with a quiet ticking, an avant-garde aesthetic for the time and a small size that provides great advantages in terms of transport and storage.

The Dutch brand Koopman has been synonymous with quality since the beginning of the last century, its chess clocks have been mostly German machinery, at least until the outbreak of World War II. In those turbulent times the manufacture is stopped and Hendricus Koopman is forced to manufacture clocks with other machinery under brands such as the Hungarian ‘Danuvia’ or the ‘Solora’ Swiss, and sell them at retail. The Solora chess clock is therefore manufactured in the beautiful Swiss baroque city of Solothurn, from which the watch brand takes its name.

Presence in Chess Tournaments

The Solora chess clock has been used in numerous tournaments and chess championships especially in the 1960s, among the most important stand out:

• World Chess Championship Mikhail Tal vs. Mikhail Botvinnik. Moscow 1960.
• 1st Piatigorsky Chess Cup. Los Angeles, California 1963.
• 2nd Piatigorsky Chess Cup. Los Angeles, California 1966.
• World Chess Championship Boris Spassky vs. Tigran Petrosian. Moscow 1969.

Variations: Solora Chess Clock

SOLORA golden dials

SOLORA golden hands

SOLORA black hands

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Technical Characteristics: Yugoslavian Chess Clock

• Name. Yugoslavian Chess Clock.
• Model. Dark wood.
• Maker. Insa.
• Date. 1954.
• Country. Yugoslavia.
• Mechanism. Integrated Oscillating Bar.
• Material. Dark oak wood.
• Measurements. Length 9.65 in – Width 1.77 in – Height 4.80 in.
• Weight. 37.21 oz.

Description: Yugoslavian Chess Clock

The Yugoslavian INSA chess clock is a high quality analog mechanical clock manufactured by the Yugoslavian factory ‘INSA’ in the 1950s.

It is a chess clock assembled in a robust oak type heavy weight wooden casing. He assembles Yugoslav-made clocks based on mechanisms and technology of Soviet influence. It must be remembered that despite the political split between Josif Tito and Iosif Stalin shortly after the end of World War II, the factories of Communist-influenced countries still depended on Soviet technology in terms of component supply. It incorporates an oscillating bar as a push button, perfectly integrated in the design of the chess clock.

The Yugoslavian factory Insa was founded in 1950 in Zemun, an industrial area on the outskirts of Belgrade, now Serbia. At first they manufactured clocks and alarm clocks, later also chess clocks. This chess clock that I am showing you is one of the first models. Nowadays the factory continues to operate as a major producer of clocks and watchmaking mechanisms, as well as in a producer of water meters and many other products in the field of measurement technology and mechanics.

This chess clock in particular belonged to the Serbian chess master IM Nikola Karaklajić who was junior Yugoslav champion in 1945 and Yugoslav chess champion in 1955. He played as the 4th board at the Moscow Olympiad in 1956 where the Yugoslav team won a meritorious silver medal. He also contributed directly to the development of the Belgrade gambit created in the historic Chess Club of Belgrade in 1944 by Mihajlo Trajkovic.

The picture shows the late Serbian chess master Nikola Karaklajić during an international tournament representing his country.

Presence in Chess Tournaments

The Yugoslavian Insa chess clock has very possibly been used in tournaments throughout the former Yugoslavia in the 1950s and 1960s, although I have not yet found corroborating photographs.

Variations: Yugoslavian Chess Clock

The varieties of Insa chess clocks after this model have no special interest, the one from the 1970s was built entirely in plastic casing and the one from the 1980s, which the Insa factory still has in its catalog, is a model very basic made in lightweight solid wood.

Yugoslavian Chess Clock INSA 1970s

Yugoslavian Chess Clock INSA 1980s

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Technical Characteristics: ‘Bohemia’ Chess Clock

• Name. ‘Bohemia’ Chess Clock.
• Model. Wooden sides.
• Maker. Bohemia.
• Date. 1960.
• Country. Germany.
• Mechanism. Top pushbuttons.
• Material. Plastic – Wooden side sheets.
• Measurements. Length 6.30 in – Width 2.36 in – Height 4.33 in.
• Weight. 14.04 oz.

Description: ‘Bohemia’ Chess Clock

The Bohemia chess clock is a basic mechanical clock manufactured by the German company ‘Bohemia’ in the 1960s.

The chess clock is assembled with a plastic casing, wooden sheet supports and oversized push buttons also made of wood. Inside he assembles clocks of German machinery. In the back side, there is a sign on the plastic itself, which reads ‘West Germany’, remember the unification of the two Germanies, Western and Eastern, took place on October 3, 1990.

It is a pretty basic clock but it works correctly. The design is quite careful to date from the 1960’s. The chess clock is stable and robust despite being made of plastic, however, the push buttons are extremely strident, I didn’t imagine a tournament with 100 clocks listening to the unpleasant ‘click-clack’ that sounds when pressing each play. On the other hand, the ‘ticking’ of the clocks in operation is equally noisy, it is something that would overcome the patience of the most concentrated of our fellow chess players.

The ‘Bohemia’ company was dedicated to manufacture boards and pieces of chess with a design and German aesthetic with some success. We suppose that to complete its catalog they included this clock of own manufacture, to a reduced price and of quality more than questionable.

Presence in Chess Tournaments

The Bohemia chess clock has not been used in tournaments, its manufacture and design was intended for a particular exclusive use.

Variations: ‘Bohemia’ Chess Clock

There is a version made only in plastic, which, given its low relevance, we do not consider including it in the catalog.
 

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Fattorini & Sons without logo. Source: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/

Technical Characteristics: Fattorini & Sons Chess Clock

• Name. Fattorini & Sons Chess Clock.
• Model. Fattorini White Dials – without logo.
• Maker. Fattorini & Sons – Bradford.
• Date. 1887 – 1904.
• Country. United Kingdom.
• Mechanism. Pendulum mechanism.
• Material.Metal – wrought iron base.
• Measurements. Length 7.48 in – Width 5.12 in – Height 6.10 in.
• Weight. Unknown.

Description: Fattorini & Sons Chess Clock

The Fattorini & Sons chess clock is a pendular mechanical clock made by the watchmaking company Fattorini & Sons of Bradford, England between 1887 and 1904.

The chess clock is formed by a wrought iron rectangular base of great weight that gives stability to the set, where the brand of the manufacturer company ‘Fattorini & Sons, Bradford’ is printed. Above the base there is a rocker also made of wrought iron and on the rocker stand two twin clocks made of chromed metal. In this particular model, the clocks mount dials that include the Fattorini brand, the logo and some aesthetic Roman numerals. I noticed that it does not incorporate flags, due to they were not invented until 1889 by Hadebeëm Meijer, secretary of the Dutch Chess Federation.

Below the clocks pendulums can be seen that act as a mechanism for driving both clocks. In such a way that the clock that appears horizontally will be the one that is in operation thanks to the movement of its pendulum, when the player made his move he would tilt his clock that stopped and simultaneously that of the opponent was placed horizontally, starting to work thanks to your pendulum.

The Fattorini & sons chess clock began on sale in 1887, as you can see in an advertisement published in the British chess magazine ‘British Chess Magazine’ of 1897 (Volume XVII, No. 199), in which you can read: “These clocks are used in all the Masters’ International and National Tournaments, North versus South of England, and all important County and Club matches.”


The company Fattorini & Sons was a jewelry business established by a family of Italian immigrants headed by Antonio Fattorini. They arrived in the British city of Leeds, in Yorkshire, England in 1827. Antonio established a series of outlets specialized in jewelry, watches and other luxury items. At the beginning of the 19th century, Antonio Fattorini opened a store in Harrogate in 1831 to take advantage of seasonal trade. Today, this business is owned by the descendants of the founders. In the 1850s he opened a store in Bradford with two of his sons. In 1883 the company made the first chess clock comprising two linked pendulum clocks, in 1887 they manufactured this pendulum clock model.

Presence in Chess Tournaments

The chess clock Fattorini & sons has been used in tournaments and chess championships in the United Kingdom especially in the 1890s, we have no photographic record of any of them, if you have any images, we would be grateful if you would send them using the Contact Form.

Variations: Fattorini & Sons Chess Clock

Fattorini & Sons with logo

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Technical Characteristics: Koopman Chess Clock 1914

• Name. Koopman Chess Clock.
• Model. Hidden Dials.
• Maker. Hendricus KOOPMAN.
• Date. 1936.
• Country. Netherlands.
• Mechanism. Top pushbuttons.
• Material. Dark brown wood.
• Measurements. Length 11.02 in – Width 2.95 in – Height 6.30 in (Height with Push button 7.09 in).
• Weight. 30.34 oz.

Description: Koopman Chess Clock 1914

It is a medium size Dutch chess clock from the beginning of the past century. By the rear inscription ‘HK 1914’, everything indicates that it is one of the first chess clocks manufactured by the Koopman family.

it uses German-made alarm clocks.

The activation of this chess clock is by means of ‘Top Vertical Buttons’ located on both sides of the clock, a button for each player. Each button stops the clock and activates the opposite clock..

As purely decorative feature, each clock has a label in the shape of ‘Chess Board’ that, on the one hand, performs a decorative function and on the other hand covers the small superior Dial, which is rendered unusable for use in Chess games.

It is convenient to remember that the clocks that are normally used for the manufacture of Chess Clocks, are clocks that were originally designed for use as an alarm clock. Therefore, in a large number of chess clocks, it is used to place a label to cover the dials that are not used by the name of the manufacturer, the name of a chess club or as in this case, with a chess motive.

The chess clock does not present any indication of a chess club or chess tournament, so it is assumed to have had a particular use.

Presence in Chess Tournaments

We do not have photographic evidence of its use in any tournament, if you have any image, we would be grateful if you send it using the contact form..

Variations: Koopman Chess Clock 1914

KOOPMAN chess clock 1936

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Technical Characteristics: Koopman Chess Clock 1936

• Name. Koopman Chess Clock.
• Model. Hidden Dials.
• Maker. Hendricus KOOPMAN.
• Date. 1936.
• Country. Netherlands.
• Mechanism. Top pushbuttons.
• Material. Light brown wood.
• Measurements. Length 11.02 in – Width 2.76 in – Height 6.69 in (Height with Push button 7.09 in).
• Weight. 39.15 oz.

Description: Koopman Chess Clock 1936

It is a large Dutch chess clock, manufactured in 1936. The design of the wooden case was used by the manufacturer Koopman in the early years of the 20th century.

it uses German-made alarm clocks.

The activation of this chess clock is through “Vertical top buttons” located on both sides of the clock, a button for each player. Each button stops the clock and activates the opposite clock. The internal mechanism, which joins both buttons, is the mechanism initially used by the chess clocks of this manufacturer. In 1937, he changed the system and maintained it until the 1990s.

In the chess clock collection, we have another Koopman chess clock 1914 very similar, which differs in the assembly of different clocks. There is a difference of 30 years between the two clocks. From an aesthetic point of view, the wood is similar, but this one has a greater weight, … perhaps only by the use of different woods in the box.

Another interesting detail on the clock, is an inscription on the back cover, ‘BOOGAARD’ Hilversum. It seems to be the name of the former owner and the Dutch city of Hilversum.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the dials that are not used have been covered with a label, which symbolizes a chess board. Another detail coinciding with the Koopman chess clock 1914.

Presence in Chess Tournaments

We do not have photographic evidence of its use in any tournament, if you have any image, we would be grateful if you send it using the contact form..

Variations: Koopman Chess Clock 1936

KOOPMAN chess clock 1914

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Fattorini & Sons with logo. Source: https://www.lukehoney.co.uk/

Technical Characteristics: Fattorini & Sons Chess Clock

• Name. Fattorini & Sons Chess Clock.
• Model. Fattorini Dials – with logo.
• Maker. Fattorini & Sons – Bradford.
• Date. 1887 – 1904.
• Country. United Kingdom.
• Mechanism. Pendulum mechanism.
• Material.Metal – wrought iron base.
• Measurements. Length 7.48 in – Width 5.12 in – Height 6.10 in.
• Weight. Unknown.

Description: Fattorini & Sons Chess Clock

The Fattorini & Sons chess clock is a pendular mechanical clock made by the watchmaking company Fattorini & Sons of Bradford, England between 1887 and 1904.

The chess clock is formed by a wrought iron rectangular base of great weight that gives stability to the set, where the brand of the manufacturer company ‘Fattorini & Sons, Bradford’ is printed. Above the base there is a rocker also made of wrought iron and on the rocker stand two twin clocks made of chromed metal. In this particular model, the clocks mount dials that include the Fattorini brand, the logo and some aesthetic Roman numerals. I noticed that it does not incorporate flags, due to they were not invented until 1889 by Hadebeëm Meijer, secretary of the Dutch Chess Federation.

Below the clocks pendulums can be seen that act as a mechanism for driving both clocks. In such a way that the clock that appears horizontally will be the one that is in operation thanks to the movement of its pendulum, when the player made his move he would tilt his clock that stopped and simultaneously that of the opponent was placed horizontally, starting to work thanks to your pendulum.

The Fattorini & sons chess clock began on sale in 1887, as you can see in an advertisement published in the British chess magazine ‘British Chess Magazine’ of 1897 (Volume XVII, No. 199), in which you can read: “These clocks are used in all the Masters’ International and National Tournaments, North versus South of England, and all important County and Club matches.”


The company Fattorini & Sons was a jewelry business established by a family of Italian immigrants headed by Antonio Fattorini. They arrived in the British city of Leeds, in Yorkshire, England in 1827. Antonio established a series of outlets specialized in jewelry, watches and other luxury items. At the beginning of the 19th century, Antonio Fattorini opened a store in Harrogate in 1831 to take advantage of seasonal trade. Today, this business is owned by the descendants of the founders. In the 1850s he opened a store in Bradford with two of his sons. In 1883 the company made the first chess clock comprising two linked pendulum clocks, in 1887 they manufactured this pendulum clock model.

Presence in Chess Tournaments

The chess clock Fattorini & sons has been used in tournaments and chess championships in the United Kingdom especially in the 1890s, we have no photographic record of any of them, if you have any images, we would be grateful if you would send them using the Contact Form.

Variations: Fattorini & Sons Chess Clock

Fattorini & Sons without logo

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Technical Characteristics: Solora ‘golden hands’ Chess Clock

• Name. Solora Chess Clock.
• Model. Solora Dials – Golden Hands.
• Maker. Hendricus KOOPMAN.
• Date. 1948 – 1960.
• Country. Switzerland.
• Mechanism. upper push buttons.
• Material. light oak wood.
• Measurements. Length 5.28 in – Width 2.17 in – Height 3.54 in ( Height with Buttons 3.94 in).
• Weight. 58.20 oz.

Description: Solora ‘golden hands’ Chess Clock

The Solora ‘golden hands’ chess clock is a small mechanical clock manufactured by the renowned clockmaker H. Koopman between 1948 and 1960.

It is a very special clock, we would say that it is unique, in the sense that it assembles wristwatch machinery brought together on a block of light oak wood specially precut for a perfect fit.

The mechanism of both clocks takes place by means of a simple change lever with red pushbuttons that complement its refined design.

The result is a chess clock with precise and silent machinery, with a quiet ticking, an avant-garde aesthetic for the time and a small size that provides great advantages in terms of transport and storage.

The Dutch brand Koopman has been synonymous with quality since the beginning of the last century, its chess clocks have been mostly German machinery, at least until the outbreak of World War II. In those turbulent times the manufacture is stopped and Hendricus Koopman is forced to manufacture clocks with other machinery under brands such as the Hungarian ‘Danuvia’ or the ‘Solora’ Swiss, and sell them at retail. The Solora chess clock is therefore manufactured in the beautiful Swiss baroque city of Solothurn, from which the watch brand takes its name.

Presence in Chess Tournaments

The Solora chess clock has been used in numerous tournaments and chess championships especially in the 1960s, among the most important stand out:

• World Chess Championship Mikhail Tal vs. Mikhail Botvinnik. Moscow 1960.
• 1st Piatigorsky Chess Cup. Los Angeles, California 1963.
• 2nd Piatigorsky Chess Cup. Los Angeles, California 1966.
• World Chess Championship Boris Spassky vs. Tigran Petrosian. Moscow 1969.

Variations: Solora Chess Clock

SOLORA golden dials

SOLORA black hands

SOLORA dials with logos

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Technical Characteristics: Antique Dutch Chess Clock

• Name. Dutch Chess Clock.
• Model. Handcrafted.
• Maker. ‘De Volharding’ Watchmaker, G.Happé (Holland).
• Date. 1900 – 1920.
• Country. Netherlands.
• Mechanism. Upper sliding bar.
• Material. Dark oak wood.
• Measurements. Length 12.20 in (the bar and the box have the same length)- Width 4.13 in – Height 6.50 in.
• Weight. 45.15 oz.

Description: Antique Dutch Chess Clock

We have a Dutch Chess Clock from the beginning of the century, it was made in the period 1900-1920. It has large dimensions and a weight that exceeds 35 ounces.

Many Dutch chess clocks from the early century use the typical sliding bar in the upper area, which runs through the clock case throughout its length. Each player slides the wooden bar, causing the own clock to stop and activate the opposite clock.

The clocks that it assembles are of German origin, with some very attractive Dials, showing the digits with Roman Numerals.

Analyzing the clock in detail, it is worth mentioning the label pasted on the Dial, which shows ‘De Volharding’ Watchmaker G.HAPPÉ. Repairs 1st Class’ … could indicate the place of manufacture. This clock store that also manufactured musical instruments, could have mounted the Dutch Chess Clock.

At that time, the chess clocks were quite handmade and were not manufactured as mass production, it was very common to be manufactured by order and not in large quantities.

Presence in Chess Tournaments

It is a chess clock with few manufactured units, so its use in a great Tournament is unknown.

Variations: Antique Dutch Chess Clock

Unknown.
 

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Technical Characteristics: Solora ‘golden dials’ Chess Clock

• Name. Solora Chess Clock.
• Model. Solora Dials – Golden Dials.
• Maker. Hendricus KOOPMAN.
• Date. 1948 – 1960.
• Country. Switzerland.
• Mechanism. upper push buttons.
• Material. light oak wood.
• Measurements. Length 5.28 in – Width 2.17 in – Height 3.54 in ( Height with Buttons 3.94 in).
• Weight. 58.20 oz.

Description: Solora ‘golden dials’ Chess Clock

The Solora ‘golden dials’ chess clock is a small mechanical clock manufactured by the renowned clockmaker H. Koopman between 1948 and 1960.

It is a very special clock, we would say that it is unique, in the sense that it assembles wristwatch machinery brought together on a block of light oak wood specially precut for a perfect fit.

The mechanism of both clocks takes place by means of a simple change lever with red pushbuttons that complement its refined design.

The result is a chess clock with precise and silent machinery, with a quiet ticking, an avant-garde aesthetic for the time and a small size that provides great advantages in terms of transport and storage.

The Dutch brand Koopman has been synonymous with quality since the beginning of the last century, its chess clocks have been mostly German machinery, at least until the outbreak of World War II. In those turbulent times the manufacture is stopped and Hendricus Koopman is forced to manufacture clocks with other machinery under brands such as the Hungarian ‘Danuvia’ or the ‘Solora’ Swiss, and sell them at retail. The Solora chess clock is therefore manufactured in the beautiful Swiss baroque city of Solothurn, from which the watch brand takes its name.

Presence in Chess Tournaments

The Solora chess clock has been used in numerous tournaments and chess championships especially in the 1960s, among the most important stand out:

• World Chess Championship Mikhail Tal vs. Mikhail Botvinnik. Moscow 1960.
• 1st Piatigorsky Chess Cup. Los Angeles, California 1963.
• 2nd Piatigorsky Chess Cup. Los Angeles, California 1966.
• World Chess Championship Boris Spassky vs. Tigran Petrosian. Moscow 1969.

Variations: Solora Chess Clock

SOLORA black hands

SOLORA golden hands

SOLORA dials with logos

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Technical Characteristics: ‘Gustaf Nyholm’ Chess Clock

• Name. ‘Gustaf Nyholm’ Chess Clock.
• Model. Without flags – Upper second hands.
• Maker. Unknown.
• Date. 1935.
• Country. Sweden.
• Mechanism. Upper slide bar.
• Material. Light wood.
• Measurements. Length 10.24 in – Width 2.95 in – Height 5.12 in ( Height with Buttons & Handle 5.51 in).
• Weight. 31.04 oz.

Description: ‘Gustaf Nyholm’ Chess Clock

The ‘Gustaf NYHOLM’ chess clock is a mechanical clock of medium dimensions manufactured in 1935 by the Unknown Swedish manufacturer.

This chess clock model takes its name from the first Swedish Champion, Gustaf Nyholm who won two matches against winners of national tournaments: Berndtsson in Göteborg and Löwenborg in Stockholm in 1917.

It uses German machinery but there are no identification marks of the mechanisms.

The activation of each clock is done by a decorative slide bar at the top of the chess clock. This type of element is typical of Swedish designer chess clocks.

To activate each clock, the chess player must slide the bar so that it deactivates its clock and automatically activates the clock of the opposing player.

This particular chess clock belonged to Johan Ahlfeldt of Satsjöbaden (Sweden), inheritance of his grandfather (He died in 2006 at 96 years of age) who won it as a prize in a tournament organized by the local newspaper, DAGENS NYHETER IN 1935.

Presence in Chess Tournaments

The ‘Gustaf NYHOLM’ chess clock has been used in numerous Swedish chess tournaments and championships, especially in the 1940s. Below are links to some examples:

• Chess tournament organized by ‘Wasa Schackklubb’. Upsala, Sweden 1943.
• Chess tournament organized by ‘Wasa Schackklubb’. Upsala, Sweden 1944.
• Chess tournament organized by ‘Wasa Schackklubb’. Upsala, Sweden 1945.

Variations: ‘Gustaf Nyholm’ Chess Clock

Unknown.
 

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Technical Characteristics: Antique Argentine Chess Clock

• Name. Argentine Chess Clock.
• Model. Handcrafted.
• Maker. ‘CASA ALARI’ Watchmaker (Buenos Aires).
• Date. 1932.
• Country. Argentina.
• Mechanism. Independent nut mechanism.
• Material. Oak wood.
• Measurements. Length 10.43 in – Width 4.53 in – Height 5.91 in ( Height with Buttons & Handle 7.09 in).
• Weight. 63.85 oz.

Description: Antique Argentine Chess Clock

The Argentine chess clock is a large-scale mechanical clock manufactured in 1932 by the ‘CASA ALARI’ Watchmaker, Colon 1146 Buenos Aires.

It uses JUNGHANS WURTTEMBERG clocks with references A32 and B32.

The most particular feature of this Argentine chess clock is the system of activation by turning of nuts independently.

Each player must activate the mechanism of their clock by turning the Nut to activate it and turn it in the opposite direction when performing the movement to deactivate it. In this case the actions of both players are independent and therefore you need to activate the clock and deactivate it during the time you use for each play.

Some data appear in this old Argentine chess clock: the clock labels covering the small upper dials of each clock and a note written on the wooden box by the Carpenter where it indicates that 20 boxes were manufactured. All this, makes us suppose that this Argentine chess clock was commissioned by some Chess Club, possibly the Villa Crespo Chess Club of Buenos Aires and that the amount of chess clocks manufactured was 20 units. This chess clock has the Number 12 painted.

Presence in Chess Tournaments

It is a chess clock with few manufactured units, so its use in a great Tournament is unknown.

Variations: Antique Argentine Chess Clock

Unknown.
 

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Technical Characteristics: Solora Chess Clock

• Name. Solora Chess Clock.
• Model. Solora Dials – Black Hands.
• Maker. Hendricus KOOPMAN.
• Date. 1948-1960.
• Country. Switzerland.
• Mechanism. upper push buttons.
• Material. light oak wood.
• Measurements. Length 5.28 in – Width 2.17 in – Height 3.54 in ( Height with Buttons 3.94 in).
• Weight. 58.20 oz.

Description: Solora Chess Clock

The Solora chess clock is a small mechanical clock manufactured by the renowned clockmaker H. Koopman between 1948 and 1960.

It is a very special clock, we would say that it is unique, in the sense that it assembles wristwatch machinery brought together on a block of light oak wood specially precut for a perfect fit.

The mechanism of both clocks takes place by means of a simple change lever with red pushbuttons that complement its refined design.

The result is a chess clock with precise and silent machinery, with a quiet ticking, an avant-garde aesthetic for the time and a small size that provides great advantages in terms of transport and storage.

The Dutch brand Koopman has been synonymous with quality since the beginning of the last century, its chess clocks have been mostly German machinery, at least until the outbreak of World War II. In those turbulent times the manufacture is stopped and Hendricus Koopman is forced to manufacture clocks with other machinery under brands such as the Hungarian ‘Danuvia’ or the ‘Solora’ Swiss, and sell them at retail. The Solora chess clock is therefore manufactured in the beautiful Swiss baroque city of Solothurn, from which the watch brand takes its name.

Presence in Chess Tournaments

The Solora chess clock has been used in numerous tournaments and chess championships especially in the 1960s, among the most important stand out:

• World Chess Championship Mikhail Tal vs. Mikhail Botvinnik. Moscow 1960.
• 1st Piatigorsky Chess Cup. Los Angeles, California 1963.
• 2nd Piatigorsky Chess Cup. Los Angeles, California 1966.
• World Chess Championship Boris Spassky vs. Tigran Petrosian. Moscow 1969.

Variations: Solora Chess Clock

SOLORA golden dials

SOLORA golden hands

SOLORA dials with logos

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