Koopman Mechanical Chess Clock — 1961, "C. Kommandeur" Dutch Club Original

A Dated Piece of 1961 Chess History

This is an original Koopman mechanical chess clock, made in Dordrecht, the Netherlands, and precisely dated to 1961 by its factory warranty stamp on the base. Koopman clocks were the gold standard of tournament timekeeping throughout the 1950s and 60s — used at the highest levels of competitive chess, including the Chess Olympiad. Production has long since ended, making every surviving piece a genuine collector's item.

We're offering seven of these clocks together, sourced directly from a Dutch chess club. Each one is a real, individually photographed piece — not a stock image. You choose the exact clock you want to buy, based on its own photo set and condition notes, so there are no surprises on arrival.

An Uncommon Detail: The "C. Kommandeur" Nameplate

Beyond the standard Koopman markings — "H. Koopman Dordrecht" on the dial and Patent 65843 — these clocks carry an additional brass nameplate on the front reading "C. Kommandeur"-KLOK. This points to a period retailer or distributor who resold Koopman's clocks under their own name, a practice occasionally seen with these instruments but rarely documented today. The mechanism and craftsmanship are 100% genuine Koopman; the extra plate is a rare layer of provenance most surviving examples simply don't have.

Verified Dating

The base of each clock carries the original factory warranty stamp, clearly dated 12 September 1961, along with a period club inventory mark. This isn't an estimated decade — it's a specific, verifiable date stamped at the time of sale, exactly the kind of detail collectors look for when authenticating a piece.

Condition Report

• Mechanics: Fully functional on both sides. Every clock has been individually wound and tested before listing.
• Case: Original wood case, never refurbished or restored — expect the honest patina, minor scuffs, and warm color that only 60+ years of genuine use can produce.
• Authenticity markers: Original 1961 warranty stamp on the base, club inventory marking, and the brass "C. Kommandeur"-KLOK nameplate on the front.
• Condition varies slightly between the seven pieces — see the individual photos for the exact clock you're considering. Differences are minor (light surface wear, small case marks) and don't affect function.

A Note on Use & Longevity

This clock is fully functional and has been tested on both sides — but it's also over 60 years old. We recommend against heavy daily use or fast time-control (blitz) play without first having the movement checked by a professional watchmaker or clockmaker. Occasional club games, display, or collecting are perfectly safe; frequent high-speed button use puts more stress on a vintage mechanism than it was built to handle at this age.

Restoration & Personalization Services

Prefer your clock fully serviced by a clockmaker before use, or restored to a polished, like-new finish? We offer:

• Full mechanical service — professional inspection and tuning of the movement, recommended before regular or competitive use.
• Visual restoration — cleaning and refinishing of the wood case while preserving its vintage character.
• Custom engraving — a personal message, date, or name added to the case, perfect for a unique gift.

Note: these services alter the clock from its original, unrestored condition — some collectors prefer to keep it exactly as found. Get in touch before or after your order to discuss options and pricing.

Why Koopman?

Chess clubs didn't own "a chess clock" — they owned "a Koopman." Backed in their day by a two-year factory warranty, these clocks earned their reputation through decades of reliable service on tournament tables across Europe. Their flag-fall indicator, protected by Dutch patent 65843, gave players a clear, accurate read on their final minutes — a level of precision that made Koopman the standard other brands were measured against.

How to Order

Each of the 7 clocks (KP01–KP07) is listed as a separate variant with its own photos and condition notes. Select the one you'd like — you'll receive exactly the clock shown in the photos you choose, not a random pick from stock.

Details

• Brand: H. Koopman, Dordrecht, Netherlands
• Year: 1961 (dated by original factory warranty stamp, 12 September 1961)
• Material: Wood case, mechanical movement
• Type: Analog mechanical chess clock, dual-dial, flag-fall indicator (Patent 65843)
• Dimensions: 23.3 cm (L) × 7 cm (D) × 13 cm (H)
• Net weight: 0.9 kg (911 g)
• Origin: Dutch chess club collection
• Condition: Good, original, unrestored — individually inspected and tested
• Special feature: Retailer nameplate "C. Kommandeur"-KLOK

A genuine, dated collector's piece for anyone who values authentic chess history over a polished reproduction. Only 7 available — each one unique. Looking for a different year or condition? Browse our full collection of vintage chess clocks.