Savings clock
Saving clocks (also saving alarm clock , insurance alarm clock ), after the end of the world economic crisis issued (early 1930s) on the strength of life insurance companies, banks and savings to customers. In doing so, they supported the population's growing willingness to save, made saving a game and encouraged saving even small amounts.
Various functions of the alarm clock, setting, winding the spring mechanism, switching the calendar and the like were only made possible after a coin had been inserted through a slot. At certain time intervals or at the request of the watch owner, the watches were opened with the key at the savings institute, the money was removed and credited to the saver's account. Only the Sparkasse (or its travelers) had the key.
Savings clocks and alarm clocks are exhibited in the Museum of the German Insurance Industry in Gotha . The insurers tried to use the slogan "If you want to save yourself from hardship, you have to save in the savings clock." Get customers to save more.
Well-known manufacturers were Zenith, Schwab, Goldbühl, etc. The Rhenus company, for example, had a radio switch-economy clock that worked as a radio alarm clock in conjunction with the people's receiver.