Siemens Flip Clock

[bobby_rabbit]

I like flip clocks. This is a bit rare and after looking on the internet, I can't see anything else written about it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/323279949962

I'm thinking of making an offer.

Does anyone know anything else about Siemens flip clocks and what year this clock might be from?

from the eBay listing - added by Mackey on 6.1.2018

[Mackey]

I saw that. I have no info on it at all. I liked the curved front clear face (don't know if that's plastic or glass- probably plastic).

[RetroFlip]

Hmm, it is interesting. You do see some examples of the same blown face.
Yellow body: https://www.ebay.ie/itm/TN-Flip-Over...-/351709063598
White body: https://www.ebay.fr/itm/Horloge-lame...-/112659020271
The patent number on the back matches similar BODET clocks. Here is a pic of what I am familiar with as far as the clear plastic on this body. Bodet BT659. This model was branded with several companies.



I'm not sure about the cord, it looks added, as well as a few screws on the back. From what I can find online the BT659 is a slave clock and needs 24v pulses, so perhaps someone has modified it.

This is of course my personal opinion of it. flipoclock might see these more than most of us here in the states.

[flipoclock]

Nice find, but somewhat expensive... For that kind of cash you would expect it to be polished and shining so bright you need to wear sunglasses to look at it.

I would have a similar (not the same) clock for you for a whole lot less, but in a lot better condition ;-) Send me a private message if you're interested...

[bobby_rabbit]

Thanks. I'd like to see, sure.

[Mackey]

Nice find, but somewhat expensive... For that kind of cash you would expect it to be polished and shining so bright you need to wear sunglasses to look at it.

I would have a similar (not the same) clock for you for a whole lot less, but in a lot better condition ;-) Send me a private message if you're interested...

This is good advice. One of these day's I'm going to get a clock from flipoclock

[bobby_rabbit]

Hi

Thank you all for your replies. I have asked the seller whether the front is plastic or glass and for a photo of the cord and the screws, and asked whether it has been modified. I agree the price seems quite steep, though I do understand as these clocks seem to be quite rare to the point of non-existence (according to google anyway).

What does everyone think is a fair offer? I'm thinking of asking the seller for a discount.

[Mackey]

Rarity doesn't always equal worth. In other words, just because you buy a clock for hundreds of dollars, doesn't mean that you have made an investment. You're not necessarily going to be able to get your money back. A great example is the case of a fellow who was sure he had one the jackpot with his flip clock. He started trying to sell it for $1200. He kept on about how rare it was. He dropped the price over time (700, then 500 dollars). Finally he took a chance and put it up for no reserve. It sold for $3.00 (Yes, three dollars) - See Details here.

I hope my bluntness doesn't offend you. But I think that clock is way overpriced at $989. While you may not be able to find another like it, there just doesn't seem to be a following for this brand of clock.

Life is short. If you're in love with this clock, then it's worth whatever you can get it for.

If you wait long enough, I'm sure you can get this for significantly less, if you really want it.
He's got it listed as a "Make Offer" so you don't have to ask for a discount. You know that, right? Just shoot him an offer by clicking "Make Offer".

If you pinned me down I'd say it's probably worth about $150 to $300.

[RetroFlip]

I echo what others have said about the price. It does look like it has recently had a price drop to $349... I'm not sure where you are based, but also keep in mind this clock is wired 220v for the European market. It will not keep time without a voltage converter if you live in the states.

[bobby_rabbit]

Thank you for all of your replies. I have spoken to the seller and he agreed that the price was quite excessive, explaining that he did not know how much to ask, and I explained that a flip clock, despite its apparent rarity, does not always mean it will sell for what he was asking. The seller listened and was grateful for the information and he said that he would reduce the price. He also said that he would include an adapter for the US voltage system as the clock does appear to be made for the European system. He also replied regarding the front, and said it was a thick plastic cover, he said the screws look original and he does not think it has been modified. Though he did say the clock was bought from a vintage clock market and he does not know its full provenance and can not be fully sure as to whether is has been modified. He also said the clock is fully working. I am still unsure as to making an offer as there are a lot of other flip clocks I like and my budget is limited, though this Siemens one does seem to have something about it.

[Mackey]

You need to be aware that an adapter won't be enough. Even if it's a transformer most people don't realize you have to change the frequency also. You need a transformer that changes 110 - 120 V at 60Hz to 220V at 50hz. If you don't do this your clock will not keep time properly at all.
See this article.

[flipoclock]

Similar looking clock for a friendlier price :-)