After removal of the clock movement, tape clamp, and cover plate, each held by separate screws, the recording mechanism is exposed and appears as shown in Figure 7. The components are identified as follows:

6. The female number die or matrix

7. The finger that slides to the left and punches a hole in the tape to indicate when the cover has been opened or closed

8. The back of the station key guide

The actual guide for the station key, along with the spring roller that snaps the key into the matrix when it is turned, is essentially the same as that used in the Newman models. The only difference being that the Guardsman unit is mounted perpendicular to the front face. In the Newman it is mounted through the side of the case, parallel to the front face.

Figure 8 shows the matrix with the female impressions of the numbers from 1 to 9 and then 0, with the series repeated twice. The location of the numbers across the width of the tape indicates if each number, when stamped, represents 1 to 10 or 11 to 20 without having to stamp more than one digit. Some keys, in addition to the number, stamp a short line below the number using the groove seen in the matrix as the female portion of the die.

The portable watchclocks like this Detex Guardsman make very interesting additions to a clock or watch collection. They bridge the gap between a pocket watch and a clock. They are small and rugged enough to be conveniently carried but are too large to fit into a pocket. They are very well made, keep excellent time, and are designed for long service and ease of maintenance.

The historical details referenced here were taken from the book The Watchman’s Clock In America—A Brief History, written and published by Philip H. Haselton, Copyright © 1993 by Philip H. Haselton, with permission of the author.

 About the Author

Gordon Lange is a retired electrical engineer, and although he has been an NAWCC member since 1983, he has been interested in watches and clocks since obtaining his first pocket watch in the late 1940s.