Swimming Turtle Clock Clock, c. 1930
E. Gubelin
Lucerne, Switzerland
When in use, this dish is filled with water and the turtle appears to magically float upon the water indicating the time. A magnet attached to the clock movement under the dish keeps the turtle pointed at the correct hour as it floats freely.
Grollier de Sevriere (1595-1686) is generally credited with creating the first turtle clock. A distinguished army officer, Grollier de Sevriere spent his retirement after 1647 inventing unique and interesting clocks. This is a twentieth century version of the swimming turtle clock, Gubelin No. 1653
Donated by Mr. R.A. Carter, NAWCC #6239
1973.2.1