We are proud to be able to say that we own a few of the one- and two-sided rectangular (link: http://onlyonceshop.com/store/pragotron-c-301 text: C 301 Pragotrons). Our favorite however is the (link: http://onlyonceshop.com/store/pragotron-p-273 text: P 732 model), which is a round clock with a convex plastic 3D embossed watchface that is covered with a special convex glass. The outer body is made of bakelite a formerly used material similar to plastic with its typical brownish color. As with almost all other Pragotron clocks we have converted the clock to a battery operated system so it can be used in every space without the need of a mother clock. To give you a little bit of historical background we will try to sum up the most important facts for you. We think that vintage objects carry a story that is as much important as the clock itself.

The company began their production in the 19th century under the name „Jednotny was“ (united time). It has since then changed its name several times - (link: http://www.elektrocas.cz text: Elektročas) or Pragotron. Today's limited liability company is called Elektročas and is presented under the brand Elektročas-Pragotron . In the years 1997-2013 owned by Ing. Karel Prouza, it was bought in 2013 by the ELEKON company, which owns 40% of the Swiss watchmaking holding Moser-Baer (Mobatime). The headquarter is located in Prague, Czech Republic. Pragotron produced clocks for both schools and businesses. Almost all hours at Czechoslovak railway stations, schools, or offices came from Pragotron. To some extent, this is true even today, as the new Electrocas clocks are very widespread. The company had a service center in each region of the Czechoslovakia, which was canceled around the 1990s. Even today the company is offering its services and offering repairs and supplying spare parts.

With a few exceptions all clocks are operated through a central mother clock. The reason is simple and obvious. As there were multiple clocks in a building (such as a school for example) the mother clock defined the time on all of the clocks electronically. This also means that the mechanism on each clock does not operate on its own. We had to source and find solutions on how to make these clocks run independently again in order to be used in your homes. With some it is easier where we use A battery operated Quartz mechanisms, with others for example large flip clocks we had to build in a small computer that behaves like a mother clock giving the clock electric impulses and cause it to flip.

Speaking of flip clocks; Pragotron is one of the most well-known manufacturer of flipping information systems (such as the Signaltron) and flip clocks used in trains and old airports as well as trainstations worldwide. We happen to have sourced a few of these beautiful (link: http://onlyonceshop.com/store/pragotron-flip-clock-2 text: IPJ 0162 Pragotron) flip-clocks and made them not ticking bit flipping again. Trust us, looking at a large-scale flip clock is one of the most satisfying things to watch. Seeing these in modern interiors is like the icing on the cupcake.