Seiko Clock

Unique IDPC-000004TypeClockDescriptionThe Seiko Clock was an electronic clock installed at the corner of Alfred Street and George Street, Circular Quay in April 1971. Also known as the 'Tower Clock', it was one of the official timepieces used at Expo '70 in Osaka, Japan and was made by Seiko who also supplied the official timepieces for the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 1964. The clock was formally handed over to the City Council by the Consul-General of Japan, Mr Masuo Takashima, at a reception by Lord Mayor L Emmet McDermott on 16 June 1971.

The clock was a gift from the people of Japan to the citizens of Sydney. In 1971 the Japanese community numbered approximately one thousand people, making it one of the biggest Japanese communities in any city outside Japan. The clock was considered to have special significance in expressing links between Sydney and its Japanese residents and Circular Quay was once the area through which went most of the early shipments to Japan.

It appears that the Seiko Clock was removed because it was in need of repairs. A memo on DA file D1998/00163 (https://archives.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/1507651) dated 30 April 1998 states, "The clock requires dismantling for repair. It is preferred by City projects that the clock and associated in ground master clock be removed from its existing site for relocation to another site beyond the boundaries of the Alfred Street DA area at the discretion of Council." The clock was not reinstated after the Alfred Street upgrade and refurbishment of Alfred Square.

Photograph

Seiko Clock installation, Alfred Street Circular Quay, 1971

Seiko clock at Herald Square Alfred Street Sydney, 1982

Seiko Clock installation, Alfred Street Circular Quay, 1971

Expo 70 clock, Osaka Japan, 1970

Ship Inn Hotel, Alfred Street Circular Quay, 1976

Seiko clock in Alfred Street Circular Quay, 1976

Item

File - Reception by Lord Mayor, handing Expo 70 clock from the people Japan to citizens of Sydney, 1971

Development & Building File

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION - 5010 - Alfred Street - Sydney - Demolition Of Old & Construction Of New Street Furniture Trees & Paving - City Of Sydney - 25 03 98 - $8000000

Seiko Clock installation, Alfred Street Circular Quay, 1971 (A-00052653)

Key dates and actions

Date constructed/created8th April 1971Date opened16th June 1971Date removed/demolishedBetween 1st May 1998 and 31st December 1998

Geo location

Geo addressAlfred Street,Circular Quay,Sydney,2000,Australia

Relationships

CollectionClocks

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Seiko Clock