Jauch Clocks

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Jauch Clocks

The history of Jauch clocks is actually the story of multiple related companies from the renowned Black Forest clockmaking region of Germany. Here's a comprehensive look at their history:

The Early Foundations (1869-1920s)

Jauch clock movements began in 1869 by Franz and Hermann Jauch in Schwenningen, Germany. Sporting large heavy plates, their movements were made with meticulous attention to detail and high-quality materials. The Gerbrueder Jauch company manufactured hall, wall and mantel clocks and movements for the trade including those that were spring and weight operated.

Schwenningen, often referred to as part of the "Black Forest" area, had long been associated with clock production, making it the ideal environment for the Jauch family business to flourish. The company initially focused on creating clock movements—the mechanisms that control the hands' motion—which quickly gained a reputation for reliability and durability.

The Egon Jauch Era (1923-1960s)

Founded by Egon Jauch in 1923, the company initially gained a reputation for producing reliable mechanical clock movements. This may have been a continuation or reorganization of the original Jauch family business.

During the mid-20th century, Jauch expanded its product line to include mantel, wall, and grandfather clocks. The company didn't just stop at producing movements; it began creating complete clocks that were known for their elegant designs and precision engineering.

Jauch & Schmid Uhrenfabrik / Erhard Jauch (1930-1983)

Jauch & Schmid Uhrenfabrik was formed in Schwenningen Germany in 1930. This appears to be yet another iteration or branch of the Jauch family clockmaking enterprise. They rapidly became major movement suppliers to many other known clock companies such as Daneker of Maryland; Emperor of Fairhope, Alabama; and Gazo of California.

This movement is a model 77 and was made for Emperor Clock by Erhard Jauch Uhrenfabrik, demonstrating their role as an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) supplier to American clock companies.

After 50 years in business, the Erhard Jauch Clock Company ceased operations in 1983.

Innovation and Product Development

Westminster Chimes and Quality Engineering: The company was innovative, constantly seeking to improve the accuracy and functionality of their timepieces. They introduced various chime mechanisms, including the popular Westminster chime, which became a hallmark of Jauch clocks.

The Quartz Revolution (1970s): In addition to their traditional mechanical clocks, Jauch also embraced the quartz revolution in the 1970s. Quartz movements, which use an electronic oscillator regulated by a quartz crystal, offered greater accuracy and required less maintenance than their mechanical counterparts.

Manufacturing Approach and Business Model

While some clocks were sold in the USA, far more clock mechanisms were sold to US companies who put them into their own housing designs. This wholesale movement supply business was common practice among German manufacturers of that era, allowing American companies to create their own branded clocks using reliable German movements.

The company was a respected supplier of relatively inexpensive but attractive clocks for the average home. This positioning made quality German clockmaking accessible to middle-class consumers.

Decline and Closure (1980s)

Despite its success, the Jauch clock company faced challenges in the late 20th century. The rise of inexpensive, mass-produced clocks from Asia put pressure on traditional clockmakers like Jauch. By the 1980s, the company struggled to compete with the lower prices of these imported clocks, leading to a decline in their business. Eventually, Jauch ceased production, and the company closed its doors.

The final closure came in 1983, marking the end of over a century of Jauch clockmaking tradition in Schwenningen.

Technical Characteristics and Quality Issues

Construction Quality: Jauch clocks suffer from the same issues as many German clocks of the 1970s and 80s, chrome plated pivot wear and worn out barrels. They were cheaply made often with plastic parts and thin brass gears and plates. This reflects the cost-cutting pressures the company faced in its final decades.

However, earlier Jauch movements were known for their robust construction with large, heavy brass plates and meticulous attention to detail.

Typical Features:

• 8-day spring-driven movements
• Time and strike mechanisms (rack and snail design)
• Westminster, Whittington, and St. Michael chimes on tubular bells or rods
• German-style floating balance escapements

Legacy and Collectibility Today

The clocks and movements they produced continue to be highly valued by collectors and horology enthusiasts. Jauch clocks are often sought after for their historical significance and the craftsmanship that went into their creation. Owning a Jauch clock today is like owning a piece of history.

Modern Servicing Challenges: These movements can be repaired, but it takes extra care to get them running smoothly. Hermle replacement kits are often substituted for Jauch movements as a new movement is generally less than the cost of repair. Since Jauch no longer manufactures movements, finding original parts can be challenging, though many components are interchangeable with other German manufacturers.

The Separate Jauch Quartz Company

It's important to note that there is a completely separate company called Jauch Quartz GmbH, also founded in Schwenningen. The company was founded on July 1, 1954 by Herbert Christian Jauch, and as a trading company, also started selling the precision rotary parts that were in such high demand among clock makers.

In 1976, Jauch took over as the representative of Renata, a Swiss battery manufacturer, and the company successfully transitioned from mechanical clock components to electronics, quartz crystals, and battery technology. This Jauch Quartz company still exists today as a successful electronics component manufacturer, though it is not directly related to the Jauch clock manufacturing business that closed in 1983.

Summary

The Jauch clock companies represent over a century of German clockmaking tradition, from the founding in 1869 through the final closure in 1983. While they produced quality timepieces that are still cherished today, they ultimately couldn't survive the dual pressures of Asian competition and the shift from mechanical to electronic timekeeping. Their legacy lives on in the thousands of clocks still keeping time in homes around the world.