Hamilton Space Clock Collection

Collection

Identifier: MG-401

Staff Only

The documents in this collection focus on the material surrounding the creation of the Hamilton Space Clock. This includes sketches and drawings, however the bulk of the material focuses on the press and publicity around the release of the clock. In particular, there are a number of speeches and lectures given by the Hamilton employee who constructed the clock, Ralph Mentzer.

Additionally, there are some photographs of the clock, Mentzer, and the inventor of the clock, Dr. I.M. Levitt. This collection also includes some press releases, newspaper clippings and articles about the Space Clock, and various correspondences.

Furthermore, there is a first draft of an article by René Rondeau (please see Custdial History) about the Space Clock from the 1990s. This article includes notes from Mentzer, and was later published in the NAWCC Bulletin.

Dates

1953 - 1995
Majority of material found within 1953 - 1955

Creator

Mentzer, Ralph Bender, 1915-2001 (Person)

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Use

These records are open to researchers for personal or scholarly research. Most of the records in the collection are available for photocopy, depending on the preservation needs of the material as well as other variables not specified here. Researchers, however, are responsible for obtaining copyright permission to use materials and documents. These records are part of the permanent collection in the archives of the Library & Research Center of the National Watch and Clock Museum and researchers are required to comply with the Archive Rules when using the collection.

Extent

.2 Linear Feet (1 box)

Additional Description

Custodial History

These documents were in the possession of Ralph Mentzer, the Hamilton Watch Company employee who made the Space Clock, until the 1970s when they were given to René Rondeau. Rondeau held on to these documents until 2012 when they were donated to the FMM Library & Research Center.