Vulcain unveils the new, The TWA Flight Center Desk Clock.
This desk clock with three dials is a compact modern reinterpretation of Vulcain’s iconic clock from the TWA Terminal at JFK Airport in New York, which is now The TWA Hotel.
“Bringing it back is a tribute to the ‘Jet Age’ aesthetic that still captivates and inspires. The moment I saw the clock, there was no hesitation.” Guillaume Laidet, Entrepreneur.
Vulcain has unveiled The TWA Flight Center Desk Clock. This desk clock with three dials is a compact modern reinterpretation of Vulcain’s iconic clock from the TWA Terminal at JFK Airport in New York.
The iconic Vulcain clock.
Whereas the original Vulcain clock is suspended from the ceiling, the compact modern reinterpretation is designed as a desk or table clock, with its three dials aligned in the opposite direction from the original.
Left: Vulcain’s iconic clock suspended from the ceiling. Right: Vulcain’s compact modern reinterpretation with its three dials aligned in the opposite direction from the original.
TWA is short for Trans World Airline, a major US based airline, founded in 1930 and active until 2001, when it was acquired by American Airlines.
“The TWA Flight Center, a designated historic landmark at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, stands as a beacon of mid-century modernism. Inaugurated in 1962, this architectural marvel, crafted from reinforced concrete with its fluid, organic curves, was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen.
The building’s roof, evocative of a bird in flight, perfectly captures the spirit of the Jet Age and a hint of googie design – a time when technological optimism soared alongside advancements in aviation and space exploration. Fully restored in 2019, the TWA Flight Center was reborn as the luxury TWA Hotel, preserving the grandeur and legacy of this iconic terminal.
As you step into this cathedral of air travel, your attention is immediately drawn to the TWA Hotel’s magnificent check-in counter, complete with a retro-styled departures and arrivals board that, despite its nostalgic appearance, provides up-to-date flight information. The staff, outfitted in period-appropriate attire, complete the immersive experience.
But as you look up… Vulcain has a surprise for you!”
The TWA Flight Center Desk Clock
Key Features
Case
The TWA Flight Center Desk Clock’s case features include:
– Its case is made from 316L stainless steel – “known for its durability and corrosion resistance.”
– Its colour is Pantone 2323 U, a warm light grey shade – “adds a subtle yet sophisticated touch to the design.”
– Its height is 126 mm (12.6 cm).
– The clock diameter is 83 mm (8.3 cm).
– Its caseback is made from 316L stainless steel.
– The three dials are attached to the case. They can be individually removed, necessary for time setting, battery change and service. Each dial features a double domed glass.
Functions
The TWA Flight Center Desk Clock’s functions include:
– Central hours and minutes, on all three dials.
– The owner can choose to display the same time in all three dials, or different time in three separate locations, across national or global time zones.
Dial and Movement
The TWA Flight Center Desk Clock’s 3 dials and movement features include:
– The three dials feature a “sunburst light grey colour” and “double printing details.”
– The central hour and minute hands are made of aluminum and matt black in colour.
– The 12 Arabic numerals, the hour and minute markers encircling the outer dial, and Vulcain logo – are all black in colour.
– All three dials are powered by a RONDA 712 quartz analog display movement each – “renowned for their precision and reliability.” It is a Swiss Made movement, featuring 5 Jewels, is gold plated, and has a battery life of 60 months or 5 years.
Our Thoughts
The TWA Flight Center Desk Clock reinterprets a historical design, paying tribute to the jet age and architecture of the TWA Terminal, designed by Eero Saarinen (1910-1961).
As a child, I have flown on TWA a few times. Its possible that many watch collectors today – born in the late 80’s and onwards – are not fully aware of TWA and its historical significance to aviation. Martin Scorcese’s The Aviator – a 2004 biopic on Howard Hughes, starring Leonardo DiCaprio – is a must watch, as it provides historical context.
Left: Eero Saarinen. Right: Ideal for an interior.
I love The TWA Flight Center Desk Clock. As I have written before, horology does not have to be expensive or complex to be interesting.
Guillaume Laidet must be commended for having the vision to successfully reinterpret the iconic Vulcain clock from JFK’s TWA Terminal into a modern compact desk clock. Where the original Vulcain clock possibly went unnoticed, maybe even ignored, Guillaume brought its story “back to life”, and that of “its glorious jet age era” by reinterpreting it as a compact modern desk clock. It is ideal for an interior, maybe a den and an office. If you are passionate about aviation or architecture, The TWA Flight Center Desk Clock is for you. It is faithful to the original design, affordable, and captures aviation and architectural nostalgia from that period beautifully.
Additional Details
Name: Vulcain The TWA Flight Center Desk Clock
Reference: VUL-CLOCK-01
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF): 1190 / Euro (EUR): 1290 / United States Dollar (USD): 1300 / Great Britain Pounds (GBP): 1110
Availability will begin on Thursday September 26, 2024, at 16:00 CET.
Please visit the Vulcain official website or Instagram page for further information and to sign up.
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