Permanent exhibition

A universe of ticking craftsmanship – the Konrad Kellenberger Collection

Logo A universe of ticking craftsmanship – the Konrad Kellenberger Collection
Logo A universe of ticking craftsmanship – the Konrad Kellenberger Collection
Table clock, Ulm, c. 1660; photos: Michael Lio
The internationally renowned collection of Konrad Kellenberger includes iron house clocks manufactured in the German and French-speaking areas and dating from the 15th to the 17th centuries, as well as the now world-famous console clocks made by the Liechti family of clockmakers in Winterthur.

Another highlight of the exhibition is the unparalleled collection of Swiss wooden wheel clocks dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries, which is probably the most comprehensive of its kind. In striking contrast, the display also contains sumptuous and ornate clocks dating from the Renaissance era, including a unique monstrance clock made in Augsburg in c. 1600. Our voyage through the history of timepieces is rounded out with sundials and hourglasses, lantern clocks, pendulum clocks and pocket watches.

The collection includes numerous rarities and connoisseur pieces, all of which demonstrate magnificent craftsmanship. Time is actually audible and perceptible in this unique display, since many of the clock movements are working and their rhythmic ticking provides a harmonious background sound as visitors explore the museum.

From the Kellenberger Clock and Watch Collection to the Clock & Watch Museum Winterthur

From the Kellenberger Clock and Watch Collection to the Clock & Watch Museum Winterthur
From the Kellenberger Clock and Watch Collection to the Clock & Watch Museum Winterthur
Iron console clock, Holland or Strasbourg, 1533
Konrad Kellenberger – a passionate collector

Konrad Kellenberger (1907–1976) started collecting clocks and watches during his employment as a precision mechanic at Winterthur’s College of Technology – a hobby which helped him gain an in-depth knowledge of the craft of horology. His lifelong passion for timepieces resulted in an outstanding private collection. He did not simply buy clocks, but also restored many of them himself.

In 1970 the City of Winterthur acquired his valuable collection and put it on public display in the Town Hall. In 1999 the Kellenberger Clock and Watch Collection moved to new premises in the renovated and extended Gewerbemuseum Winterthur. Since autumn 2017, the former Kellenberger Clock and Watch Collection has been a major component of the renamed Clock & Watch Museum Winterthur. The permanent collection includes the Konrad Kellenberger Collection, clocks and watches bequeathed by Rosa Kellenberger-Zürcher, purchases by the City of Winterthur, permanent loans by the Patrons’ Association, timepieces from the Fritz Spichiger Fund and the estate of Christian (Kriss) Reinhart, and items from the Jacques Kuhn Fund.

Restoration workshop

The restoration workshop has been set up next to the exhibition area. This is where the exhibits are cared for and restored. From the exhibition area, visitors can take a glimpse behind the scenes and, if they are lucky, look over the Curator’s shoulder while she works.

Impressions of the Konrad Konrad Kellenberger Collection

INFORMATION FOR MEDIA PROFESSIONALS

Media information and high resolution media image files may be downloaded from our website. Media information is available in German only.

We would be glad to receive a printed copy of your report or a link to your online article about the Clock & Watch Museum Winterthur. 

Thank you!

Brigitte Vinzens
Curator Clock & Watch Museum Winterthur

+41 (0)52 267 51 36 / 28

Patrons’ Association of the Clock & Watch Museum Winterthur

The Patrons’ Association of the Clock & Watch Museum Winterthur helps finance the further expansion of the collections. It also organizes functions to raise awareness of the Clock & Watch Museum Winterthur and arranges social and cultural events for its members. The Association is a not-for-profit group.

Stay informed

We will gladly send you information about our exhibitions and events by post. Please send your name and full address to uhrenmuseum@win.ch

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Contact

Uhrenmuseum Winterthur
Kirchplatz 14
CH-8400 Winterthur

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uhrenmuseum@win.ch
+41 (0)52 267 51 36 / 28