Description
Sutton Coldfield Vintage Analog Chess Timer – New Old Stock with Original Box
This exceptional Sutton Coldfield analog chess clock is a true New Old Stock (NOS) example of one of the classic British mechanical timers of the mid-to-late 20th century. Both faces are clearly marked “CHESS – SUTTON COLDFIELD ENGLAND” and “WORLD CHESS SPECIALISTS.” The cream/white enamel cases with polished chrome bezels sit on a light wooden base, and the clock comes complete in its original cardboard protective box — a rarity for these pieces.
The twin mechanical movements feature traditional analog dials with black Arabic numerals, red flag indicators, and side-mounted winding stems. The reverse of each movement is stamped “MADE IN GT. BRITAIN.” Condition is outstanding: the clock shows virtually no signs of use, with clean dials, bright chrome, intact enamel, and a clean wooden base. It appears to have remained unused since leaving the factory.
These chess clocks date from the mid-190s, Sutton Coldfield Vintage Chess Timers were used in many clubs and could be found in use at tournaments of all levels throughout the United Kingdom in the early to the mid 1900s.
This Sutton Coldfield Vintage Chess Timer is in new-old-stock (NOS) condition and retains its original cardboard box — an uncommon survivor. Both movements are mechanical wind-up type with the classic lever/flag action used on Sutton Coldfield timers of this era. Ideal for the serious collector of British chess memorabilia, or for the player who appreciates authentic mid-century tournament equipment that still looks and feels period correct.
Background
Baruch Harold Wood (1909–1989), known to the chess world as B.H. or Barry Wood, was one of Britain’s most influential chess entrepreneurs. In 1935 he founded the magazine CHESS (later also known as Chess Monthly) in Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham. The magazine quickly became one of the two leading British chess periodicals and circulated internationally.
Alongside the magazine, Wood ran a highly successful mail-order business under the names “Chess, Sutton Coldfield” and “World Chess Specialists.” He supplied boards, sets, books, and timing equipment to clubs and players across the UK and abroad. Because major clockmakers were reluctant to produce specialized chess timers in quantity, Wood arranged for mechanical clocks to be made (primarily by the Enfield Clock Company and related Birmingham-area manufacturers) and branded them for his company.
Sutton Coldfield clocks appeared in various designs from the late 1930s through the 1970s. The rounded cream-enamel model with chrome bezels and the distinctive “World Chess Specialists” wording belongs to the later production period, generally dated to the 1960s–1970s. These clocks were widely used in British club and tournament play and remain sought after by collectors for their solid construction, clear dials, and direct connection to one of the most important figures in 20th-century British chess commerce.