Vintage Concord Swiss Brass Desk Clock World Bank Presentation Robert McNamara

Vintage Concord Swiss Brass Desk Clock World Bank Presentation Robert McNamara

Here I have for sale a rare vintage 1970s Concord Swiss solid brass desk clock, presented as an official World Bank Group service award featuring engraved signature provenance from President Robert S. McNamara.

Item Specifics
Brand: Concord (Concord Watch Co.)
Type: Desk / Mantel Clock
Movement: Swiss Electric / Mechanical Hybrid
Display: Analogue with Date Window
Material: Solid Brass
Era: 1970s (Dated 1972)
Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland

Condition
Overall Condition: Beautiful, heavy vintage condition with great structural integrity and historic provenance markings.
Functionality & Testing: Briefly tested for 30 minutes with a 9V battery, during which it ran smoothly and kept accurate time. Please note it has not been tested for long-term timekeeping over hours or days. The internal Swiss mechanism stores mechanical energy, so the hands continue ticking for a short duration even after the battery is disconnected.
Storage & Servicing Note: This clock has been kept in storage for some time. Because of this, it would benefit from a professional service and clean to guarantee it continues to function properly and maintain precise timekeeping over the long term.
The Battery Terminal: One side of the clip-on battery terminal cap is missing. Despite only half of the terminal connection being present, it still makes stable contact, completes the circuit, and successfully powers the clock.
Cosmetics & Brass Casing: The solid brass case has a brushed texture. It shows surface wear, age-related spotting, tarnish, and scuffs (mostly on the side panels and base). The top features a crisp, beautifully preserved engraved presentation dedication. The dial face is clean with bold Roman numerals, a functional date aperture at 6 o'clock, and clear glass.

Founded in Bienne, Switzerland in 1908, Concord is a premier luxury horologist famed for crafting exceptionally high-end presentation clocks for elite institutions, luxury retailers (like Tiffany & Co.), and world dignitaries. This specific model features an advanced 1970s Swiss transitional hybrid electric movement inside a heavy, minimalist brass casing.

Adding immensely to its historical value, the top plate is custom-engraved to honor 20 years of service (1952–1972) with The World Bank Group. It bears the engraved name of its world-famous President, Robert S. McNamara. McNamara is one of the most influential American political and financial figures of the 20th century. Corporate and diplomatic gifts of this caliber were commissioned directly from top-tier Swiss makers, making this a highly sought-after crossover piece for collectors of premium horology and political history.