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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; photograph credit Joel Benjamin
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; photograph credit Joel Benjamin
Autonomous Quartz Clock "The Kennedy Clock"
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; photograph credit Joel Benjamin

Autonomous Quartz Clock "The Kennedy Clock"

Artifact IDMO 66.101
Object Type Clock
Date circa 1963
Date Presented6/26/63
Gifter
Maker (Watchmaker, founded 1839)
Designer (Meisterwerke der Uhrmacherkunst finest jewels)
Place MadeBerlin, Germany, Europe
Medium Gilt brass, marble, wood
DimensionsOverall H 12 1/2 in x W 13 1/2 in x D 5 in (31.8 cm x 34.3 cm x 12.7 cm)
Physical DescriptionAutonomous quartz clock made by Patek Philippe to accurately and simultaneously present the time in Moscow, Washington D.C., and Berlin. The central dial with sweep seconds displayed the time in Washington D.C. and was signed "Patek Phillppe" an "Heinz Wipperfeld, Berlin". The two smaller dials showed the respective time in Moscow and Berlin. The rectangular gilt brass casing is suspended by a curved wood support fitted into a square marble base. The clock was designed to resemble a nautical instrument recalling President Kennedy's naval service.
Historical NoteThis clock was presented to President Kennedy by the German retailer and designer Heinz Wipperfeld as a gift from the people of West Berlin on June 26, 1963 during President Kennedy's State visit to Germany.The clock reflects the struggle between the Soviet Union and the West over the future of Berlin.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was given to President Kennedy by the clock maker, Patek Phippe in 1963. Ownership was transferred to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view