German Astronomical Clock — Nickel Movement on a Black Base
The Hermle Astrolabium pairs a nickel-plated mechanism with a sleek black-finished base. Beneath its curved glass dome the earth travels its yearly orbit of the sun while rotating on its own axis every 24 hours, and the moon circles the earth every 29.5 days. A finely detailed brass disc tracks the zodiac signs, the months and the days.
The curved dome leaves the skeleton quartz movement in full view, so you watch the mechanism and its gears in motion.
Key Features
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Nickel-plated mechanism on a black base — the sharpest contrast in the Astrolabium range
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Precision quartz skeleton movement — left open to view under the dome
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Full astronomical display — earth's orbit, moon phases, zodiac and days
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Detailed brass disc — carrying the zodiac, months and days
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Curved glass dome — protecting the movement while revealing it
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Made in Germany — by Hermle of Gosheim
Specifications
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Movement: Precision quartz skeleton movement
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Astronomical display: The earth turns on its axis every 24 hours and completes its orbit yearly; the moon circles the earth every 29.5 days; a brass disc carries the zodiac, months and days
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Dimensions: 28.5 cm high, 21 cm wide
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Finish: Nickel-plated mechanism on a black base
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Materials: Nickel-plated metal, brass, glass
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Origin: Made in Germany
Care Instructions
- Dust the case gently with a soft, dry cloth.
- Clean the glass with a cloth lightly dampened with water — never spray liquid onto the clock.
- Replace the battery as soon as the movement slows to avoid leakage inside the case.
- Remove the battery if the clock will be stored unused for a long period.
- Display away from edges, direct sunlight, and humidity.
Perfect Gift For
A gift that marks time itself — fitting for weddings, retirements, corporate anniversaries, and the handing over of an office or a home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Astrolabium?
An astronomical table clock. Beneath the glass dome, the earth rotates on its axis every 24 hours and completes its orbit of the sun over a year, while the moon circles the earth every 29.5 days. A brass disc carries the zodiac, the months and the days.
Is the movement mechanical or quartz?
A precision quartz skeleton movement, fully visible through the dome — no winding required.
How does it compare with the mahogany and rose gold versions?
The movement, functions and size are identical across all three. Only the finish differs: this one has a nickel-plated mechanism on a black base for the sharpest, most contemporary contrast; the mahogany version pairs a brass mechanism with a warm wooden base; and the rose gold version is finished in rose gold on a white base. The rose gold is also a limited edition of 15 pieces worldwide, which accounts for its higher price — black and mahogany are priced the same.
How large is it?
28.5 cm high and 21 cm wide — substantial enough to command a desk or console, compact enough for a bookshelf.
Does it need servicing?
A quartz movement does not require the periodic oiling a mechanical one does. Replacing the battery each year and keeping the glass clean is enough.
About Hermle
Franz Hermle & Sohn was founded in 1922 in Gosheim, in Germany's clockmaking heartland near the Black Forest. Within a decade it had become one of the most advanced makers of clock movements in Europe, and it remains among the world's largest manufacturers of mechanical movements. Now in its third generation, Hermle builds every movement in Germany and supplies clockmakers across the globe.
