RAF 1940 "Battle of Britain" Pattern Replica Sector Wall Clock with Silent Quartz Movement and Sweep Second hand (Size 12")

Product Details

SKU Code: CLOCK/SECTOR

If you want something different to the average boring wall clock this could be it, these clocks make a great talking point in an office, workshop, garage, reception area etc.

These clocks were originally known as "colour change clocks", they were introduced in 1917 during the First World War by the RFC (Royal Flying Corps) which was the predecessor to the RAF, they were used to monitor the movements of German planes and airships and further developed in World War 2. These clocks became famous in the Battle of Britain and many were still in use during the Cold War on some airforce bases.

There were several versions of the clock during the war and the face details varied somewhat from one design to another but the clocks all had a similar appearance with the red, blue and yellow triangles and were either electrical or mechanical, this clock made by MWC has a sweep second hand just like the original electric version.

People often ask us how the clock was used and basically the Sector Clock was a fundamental part of Ground-controlled interception (GCI) before modern computerized systems were put in place for airspace control. The clock face is marked with five-minute red, yellow and blue triangular segments. It has an outer 12-hour ring and an inner 24-hour dial.

Aircraft position was recorded along with the colour of the triangle beneath the minute hand at the time of sighting. This was reported to sector headquarters, where counters of the relayed colour were used to represent each air raid on a large table with a map of the UK overlaid with a British Modified Grid. As the plots of the raiding aircraft moved, the counters were pushed across the map by magnetic "rakes". This system enabled "Fighter Controllers" to see very quickly where each formation was heading and allowed an estimate to be made of possible targets. The age of the information was readily apparent from the colour of the counter. Because of the simplicity of the system, decisions could be made quickly and easily.

This actual clock measures 30.5cm (approx 12") and is housed in a strong and robust polycarbonate case. The clock has a highly accurate quartz movement and silent quartz movement and a sweep second hand, this means that you don't have to endure the annoying clicking sound every second which is something that plagues most quartz wall clocks. The clock is supplied ready to go with an AA battery.

All nett proceeds from this sale go to the Berkshire Yeomanry Museum, a registered charity.

 

In order that all of the item amount is paid to the Berkshire Yeomanry Museum the post and packing charge covers postal delivery of the item by the means stated and all fees raised by Ebay and PayPal for the sale of the item.

 

If you are purchasing more than one item from the Museum we are happy to combine and reduce postal costs where possible. Please use the ADD TO BASKET link (Not the BUY IT NOW BUTTON) then go to Checkout and REQUEST TOTAL - Do not pay until we send you an invoice with ONE POSTAGE CHARGE.