The Caslon 601 - An early calendar flip clock by Copal

[Mackey]

The third in the Caslon series reviewed by FlipClockFans (Models 201, 701 and now the 601), the more expensive Caslon 601 boasted a flip day and date along with the clock. The clock frankly does not have the beauty of the other models, but seems to be styled in a "Space Age" mission control panel look that went right along with 1970 release of this clock and the moon landing the previous year.

Details: Clock cabinet of solid aluminum, drilled at tapped to accept screw holding in plastic side panels. Real glass front.




Review and Disassembly Video


Early Advertisement
Arizona Republic (Phoenix, Arizona) 22 Sep 1970, Tue • [Second Edition] • Page 3

Instructions for operation of the Copal 601


Credits

Thank you to the owner of the Etsy.com shop Kesterwood Workshop for use of the images of the black version here and in the YouTube video.

[flipoclock]

Can someone possibly enlighten me with regard to the black version? I have only seen it twice now and first thought that they were painted by a crafty hobby-owner, but it appears that they were supplied this way by Copal.

Was this a special version, was it only available on certain countries? It's not just the casing, it's the sides, it's the flaps as well and the front between the flaps and the glass.

[Mackey]

Was this a special version, was it only available on certain countries? It's not just the casing, it's the sides, it's the flaps as well and the front between the flaps and the glass.

Don't have much details. But it appears to have been advertised in 1971 in the USA.


From: The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Jan 1971, Fri, Other Editions, Page 30

[Mackey]

Well I'll be.
One just came up on eBay

https://www.ebay.com/itm/183608730626

[flipoclock]

Nice!

I think I can confirm that it was sold also in the Netherlands since there is one for sale with the dutch days in it... The issue I have with this one is that everything flaw, no matter how small, you will see it through the black coating. But I have to say, it is nice!

Having said that, I take it that find a sales leaflet with the black version in it will be hard I think :-)

[CSWI23]

Hello. I just purchased a copal caslon 601. It's the same version as the one in the video with an aluminum case and black face. The light on the clock works but it seems dim to me. I have nothing to gage it against if that is the way it is. And always was or of the bulb needs to replaced to be brighter. Any thoughts on insight?

[Mackey]

If the bulb appears black when the power is off, it is probably dimmer than the original. Whether you replace it or not is a matter of your personal taste. They were never intended to be bright. They were meant to be pleasantly lit with the amber/orange neon light to make it easy to see the digits at night in a dark room.