Clocks
Seiko Sonola Time-Dater Wall Clock, Japanese Mid-Century Transistor Piece
Regenerated by Memory Lane- Maker
- Seiko (Sonola)
- Era
- 1960s-1970s
- Material
- Wood veneer case, glass, metal
- Category
- Clocks
About this piece
A quietly handsome piece of mid-century Japanese design, this wall clock comes from Seiko's Sonola transistor line, complete with an integrated date wheel below the main dial — the 'Time-Dater' feature that marked it out as a small technical novelty in its day. It likely dates from the 1960s-70s, an era when Japanese makers were bringing battery-powered movements into ordinary homes for the first time. The case is wood veneer with black trim, dial markings reading SEIKO, Sonola TRANSISTOR and JAPAN, with the date wheel visible showing numerals and an arrow indicator. Seiko's name lends it a little collectability among fans of vintage transistor clocks and mid-century decor, without being a rare or high-value model. In honest terms: it presents as largely intact, with light wear to the veneer, a small mark near the bottom left of the case, and a yellowed patch on the dial around the 4-5 o'clock area, likely age-related fading. The movement and date mechanism have not been tested, so a full condition report is available on request for anyone wanting to confirm working order before it starts its next chapter. Collection near Glasgow, or delivered by courier.
Condition
Used vintage condition, appears largely intact and functional-looking; some fading/discolouration visible on lower right portion of dial and minor wear to case veneer