Seth Thomas Speed Read Cube Lite

Seth Thomas Speed Read Cube Lite
Model 0854-000

The Seth Thomas clock company produced a number of elegant and stylish flip clocks in the 1970s with many of these being made in Japan. But one of the most quirky would have to be the Seth Thomas Speed Read Cube Lite. The clock shape is nearly a perfect cube with a circular face and the "Seth Thomas" name appearing prominently under the clock digits. The clock came in 4 colors identified on the name plate with a corresponding catalogue number: Blue (854), white (855), wood grain (856) and yellow (857).

The Seth Thomas Speed Read Cube Lite flip clock is a clock only (no alarm, no radio). Each side of the plastic cabinet measures from 4 and 3/16 inch to 4 and 5/16 inch (about 11 cm). While the depth and height of the clock measure slightly less than the width, to the eyes, it's just a cube flip clock.

Basic History of The Seth Thomas Name
Seth Thomas (1785-1859) began working for clock-maker Eli Terry in 1807 and in 1810 purchased the factory in partnership with Silas Hoadley. Thomas subsequently sold his share of the business to Hoadly so that he could go it alone in 1813. Thomas established The Seth Thomas Clock Company in 1853 and the company went on to become a premier US maker of a variety of high quality clocks and movements. These clocks included longcase clocks, mantel, wall, and table-top clocks. Today these antique Seth Thomas clocks are highly collectible and sought after by horologists the world over.
In 1930, General Time Instruments Corporation, was formed to unite Seth Thomas Clock Company with Western Clock Company with the respective outfits retaining their names. In 1968, General Time Instruments Corporation (including the Seth Thomas Clock Company) was bought by Talley Industries. The name was changed to General Time Corporation in 1970 and headquarters were moved to Norcross, Georgia in 1979. By 1982 all production of clocks moved to Norcross, Georgia. In 2001, General Time ceased operation and was acquired by The Colibri Group. In 2009 the Colibri Group came under the ownership of CST Enterprises, Cranston, Rhode Island and production of clocks was discontinued, ending the era of true Seth Thomas clocks. The National Association of Watch and Clock collectors (NAWCC) purchased a collection of documents, drawings, photographs, and advertisements relating to Seth Thomas clocks. Modern day clocks branded "Seth Thomas" are produced for CST Enterprises by another clock builder.

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Clock Details:
Name: Seth Thomas Speed Read Cube Lite
Model: 0854-000
Cat #: 857 (yellow version)
Power: 115 Volts 60 Hz 2.5 Watts
Manufacturer: Seth Thomas Clock Company
A Talley Industries Company
Thomaston, CONN U.S.A
Made in Japan

Video of Disassembly and Other Discussion

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