Alarm clock - Diehl Minitron Elektron – 1979 iF Design...

A highly distinctive example of late-1970s German electronic design, the Diehl Minitron Elektron combines a compact sculptural form, mustard-yellow housing, glossy black controls and a beautiful turquoise-green Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD). Manufactured by Diehl GmbH & Co., Nürnberg, Germany, this model belongs to the important transition period in which Diehl moved from traditional mechanical and electromechanical clocks toward fully electronic timekeeping. The Diehl Minitron Elektron Vielzweckuhr was officially recognised by iF Design in 1979, making it particularly interesting not only as a vintage electronic clock, but also as a documented piece of German industrial design history. Diehl had already been active in clock manufacturing for decades. The company introduced its first clocks in the post-war period and later became well known for its compact “mini-clock” products. During the 1970s, Diehl increasingly focused on electronic timing technology, and the Minitron perfectly reflects this technological and aesthetic evolution. The design is particularly characteristic of the period. Instead of a conventional rectangular alarm-clock body, the Minitron features a low wedge-shaped architectural form, with the display rising vertically at the rear and the control panel gently inclined towards the user. The large circular black adjustment control creates a strong visual counterpoint to the smaller push buttons and elongated ALARM control. The contrast between the vivid mustard yellow / ochre housing and the glossy black details gives the clock a very attractive late-1970s Space Age / retro-futurist appearance. VFD Display One of the most attractive features is the original Vacuum Fluorescent Display, producing bright turquoise-green segmented numerals behind a dark smoked screen. VFD technology was widely used in quality electronic equipment during the 1970s and early 1980s and is today especially appreciated by collectors for its distinctive luminous character. The display on this example is bright, clear and visually very attractive. Functions The clock is fully functional. The large circular control on the right is used for setting the time and alarm. It can be rotated: - clockwise to move the minutes forward - anticlockwise to move the minutes backward This makes time adjustment particularly intuitive and allows the display to be corrected in both directions. Dedicated controls are provided for the clock and alarm functions. The alarm function has also been tested and works correctly. Video of operation A complete demonstration of the clock and its functions can be seen here: https://youtu.be/jVyryrTi3ZE The video shows the display, time adjustment and general operation of the clock. Specifications Manufacturer: Diehl GmbH & Co. Model: Minitron Elektron / Vielzweckuhr Country of manufacture: Germany Period: Late 1970s iF Design recognition: 1979 Display: Vacuum Fluorescent Display – VFD Display colour: turquoise-green Time format: 24-hour digital display Functions: clock and alarm Housing colour: mustard yellow / ochre Controls: black plastic Material: moulded plastic housing Dimensions: Width: 13 cm Height: 7 cm Depth: 7.5 cm The underside is marked “505 GERMANY”. The original external AC adapter is included and is marked Typ 330 – Made in Germany. Condition The clock is in excellent vintage condition. It is fully functional and has: - no cracks - no breaks - no major damage - bright and clearly readable display - working alarm - working time-setting controls Minor traces of age and use may naturally be present, consistent with an original vintage electronic object from the late 1970s. Please carefully review all photographs, as they form an integral part of the description and show the actual condition of the item. Historical / Design Note This model is documented in the official iF Design archive as the Diehl Minitron Elektron Vielzweckuhr, recognised in 1979 in the Product Design field. Its compact dimensions, sculptural housing and electronic display make it a particularly representative object of the period when European domestic design was moving rapidly from mechanical systems toward digital electronics. A very attractive collector’s piece for enthusiasts of: German industrial design, Space Age design, 1970s electronics, VFD clocks, digital alarm clocks and vintage technology. This is an original vintage electronic item and not a newly manufactured product. The item has been tested before listing and is described according to its current condition and functionality. Due to the age of vintage electronic components, long-term future performance cannot be guaranteed. Capacitors, switches, motors, displays, transformers and other electronic or mechanical components may naturally show age-related behaviour over time. The item will be tested again before shipment whenever reasonably possible. A video of the item functioning before shipment may be recorded for documentation purposes. The item will be carefully packed, using protective materials and a suitable outer box. Please inspect the photographs carefully before placing a bid. The photographs form an essential part of the description and show the actual item offered for sale. Small signs of age, surface marks, minor scratches or natural ageing consistent with vintage use should be expected unless otherwise stated. Colours may vary slightly depending on lighting conditions, camera settings, screen calibration and the device used to view the photographs. Measurements are taken manually and may therefore vary slightly. Any historical photographs, advertisements, catalogue pages, archive images or other documentary material shown in the listing are included for historical and documentary reference only and are not included in the sale, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Please make sure that the electrical specifications are suitable for use in your country before connecting the item. By placing a bid, the buyer confirms that they have carefully reviewed the photographs, description, condition report and available video documentation.

Stima:€22

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