Some of the highlights include an astronomical clock made by David Ruetschmann (later known as Frater David a Sancto Cajetano) between 1762 and 1769 (which also displays the orbital phases of the planets; photos below), some “Laterndl” (lantern) clocks, and a tiny “Zappler” (with pendulum) that fits under a thimble. The largest — and heaviest — piece in the collection is the clock from St Stephen’s Cathedral, dating to 1699. (Pictures of the Zappler and the St. Stephen’s Cathedral clock are at the top of page 2.)
The Museum itself was founded in 1917 and mainly consists of two private collections: that of intermediate-school teacher and first director of the museum Rudolf Kaftan, and nearly all the collection of the writer Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach, who has been quoted as saying, “My dear watches, they make it hard for me to die.”
The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm, admission is 6 Euros – and taking pictures is allowed. Go to pages 2 and 3 for more photos from the museum.
I visited this museum in 1982 and wish to visit once again,
may be during Basel Fair visit.