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.
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