Vintage Venner Time Switches Stopwatch – Engraved Austin Motor Co Ltd
A rare vintage mechanical timer/stopwatch by Venner Time Switches Ltd., London, Swiss made. This example has direct provenance to the Austin Motor Company Ltd, with the back case clearly engraved:
“The Property of the Austin Motor Co Ltd – No. 16 – A2214.”
The dial is marked Type J.53 and 3014, with multi-scale calibration in red, black, and blue numerals. The movement is a high-quality 11-jewel Swiss lever escapement, signed Venner Time Switches Ltd., No. 3364, with case serial number 598122 and movement serial 22140.
Still housed in its original fitted Venner Time Switches Ltd. presentation box, this stopwatch represents a rare opportunity for both horological and motoring collectors.
Possible Use
The multi-scale dial suggests this timer was designed for more than simple timekeeping. With its 60-second sweep hand, subsidiary minutes dial, and calibrated scales in multiple units, it was likely used for industrial timing or production measurement at the Austin Motor Company. Such stopwatches were often employed for:
Time-and-motion studies in manufacturing (used to measure and improve efficiency on production lines).
Testing engine performance or component timing, where precise intervals were required.
General workshop applications, including calibration, endurance tests, or cycle timing.
This adds significant historical interest, as it links not just to horology but to the working practices of one of Britain’s most important car manufacturers.
Key Details:
Maker: Venner Time Switches Ltd. (London / Swiss movement)
Dial markings: “Type J.53” / “3014” / “Swiss Made”
Case engraving: “The Property of the Austin Motor Co Ltd – No. 16 – A2214”
Case serial: 598122
Movement serial: 22140
Movement: 11 jewels, 1 adjustment, Swiss made
Diameter: 56.7mm
Features: Multi-scale timer dial with blued hands
Original fitted box included
Condition:
Excellent vintage condition overall
Dial clean and clear, no damage
Case shows light wear consistent with age
Stopwatch functions well, though the hands can be slightly slow to reset to zero – a service is recommended for best performance
Supplied in its original fitted presentation box
Summary:
A rare and highly collectible Venner Time Switches stopwatch, directly connected to the Austin Motor Co Ltd. Likely used for timing production cycles or technical tests within the factory, this piece combines precision horology with British motoring history. With its Swiss 11-jewel movement, multi-scale dial, and provenance engraving, it makes an outstanding addition for collectors of vintage timepieces or automotive heritage.
Postage & Shipping:
As usual, this item will be packaged carefully and dispatched with tracking. International shipping is available upon request.
US buyers: Please be aware that import duties, taxes or brokerage fees may be charged on arrival. These are set by U.S. Customs and your state and are payable by the buyer.
International buyers: Similar import charges may apply depending on your location and local rules.
We can’t declare a lower value or mark items as gifts on customs declarations to avoid any taxes due.
