1960s Direct Read Travel Alarm Clock by Bradley

$72.00
A mid-century Bradley “Direct Read” travel alarm clock with a sleek round black case and brushed gold dial. Instead of hands, the time shows through rotating hour and minute windows at the top of the dial, giving it a clean, modern “direct read” display that feels straight out of the Space Age.

Housed in its original black faux-leather clamshell case, this mechanical travel clock folds closed for packing and opens to sit angled on a nightstand, desk, or bookshelf. The movement is wind-up, the alarm is mechanical, and both have been tested and are currently working well.

📚 Historical Context

Bradley Time, a division known for character and novelty watches, leaned into modern design in the 1950s–1960s with a series of compact travel and desk clocks. The “Direct Read” series replaced traditional hands with rotating discs, making the time readable at a quick glance which is very much in line with mid-century fascination with dashboards, flip clocks, and instrument panels.

This particular example, marked Japan, comes from the post-war export boom when Japanese makers were producing reliable mechanical movements for American and European brands. The round folding case pushes it into design-object territory: part clock, part modernist accessory.

✨ Condition Notes

- Clock ticks and keeps time on a full wind in testing.
- Alarm function works and has been tested.
- Brushed gold dial is in good vintage condition with light surface marks consistent with age.
- Crystal is clear with normal light wear.
- Black faux-leather outer case is intact with minor scuffs from use; interior shows typical vintage wear but presents well when displayed.
- One small case mounting screw at the hinge point is missing. The clock opens and closes normally, and the remaining screw holds the clock securely in place. This screw is not part of the movement and does not affect timekeeping or alarm function. It is not visible during normal display.
- Overall, a working mid-century travel alarm with a striking direct-read display and honest vintage wear.

📏 Measurements

Case diameter (closed): approx. 3 in
Depth when open: approx. 3.0–3.25 in
Height when closed: approx. 1.5 in

📦 Packaging

Clock will be professionally padded and boxed with care.
A mid-century Bradley “Direct Read” travel alarm clock with a sleek round black case and brushed gold dial. Instead of hands, the time shows through rotating hour and minute windows at the top of the dial, giving it a clean, modern “direct read” display that feels straight out of the Space Age.

Housed in its original black faux-leather clamshell case, this mechanical travel clock folds closed for packing and opens to sit angled on a nightstand, desk, or bookshelf. The movement is wind-up, the alarm is mechanical, and both have been tested and are currently working well.

📚 Historical Context

Bradley Time, a division known for character and novelty watches, leaned into modern design in the 1950s–1960s with a series of compact travel and desk clocks. The “Direct Read” series replaced traditional hands with rotating discs, making the time readable at a quick glance which is very much in line with mid-century fascination with dashboards, flip clocks, and instrument panels.

This particular example, marked Japan, comes from the post-war export boom when Japanese makers were producing reliable mechanical movements for American and European brands. The round folding case pushes it into design-object territory: part clock, part modernist accessory.

✨ Condition Notes

- Clock ticks and keeps time on a full wind in testing.
- Alarm function works and has been tested.
- Brushed gold dial is in good vintage condition with light surface marks consistent with age.
- Crystal is clear with normal light wear.
- Black faux-leather outer case is intact with minor scuffs from use; interior shows typical vintage wear but presents well when displayed.
- One small case mounting screw at the hinge point is missing. The clock opens and closes normally, and the remaining screw holds the clock securely in place. This screw is not part of the movement and does not affect timekeeping or alarm function. It is not visible during normal display.
- Overall, a working mid-century travel alarm with a striking direct-read display and honest vintage wear.

📏 Measurements

Case diameter (closed): approx. 3 in
Depth when open: approx. 3.0–3.25 in
Height when closed: approx. 1.5 in

📦 Packaging

Clock will be professionally padded and boxed with care.