Real Time, Real Magic, Real RHYTHM by Stuart Leuthner
reprinted from article by Stuart Leuthner in Watch & Jewelry Review, July/August 2007.
Rhythm Watch Co. was established in 1950. The company
developed into a world leader in the manufacturing
of timekeeping products with millions of clocks and
movements sold throughout the world. Since it was
founded, the company has manufactured a wide range of
products including automobile clocks, alarm clocks and
the first quartz alarm clock movement in the world powered
by a small battery.
Rhythm has won multiple and repeated awards from
Ministry of International Trade and Industry (M.I.T.I).
These are the highest timepiece quality awards given by
the Japanese government. Rhythm has also won the
Deming Prize for company-wide quality control. W.
Edwards Deming was an American engineer who worked
with Japanese manufacturers after World War Two.
Deming helped them achieve their legendary ability to
produce innovative high-quality products.
Rhythm first introduced the brand’s Magic Motion
technology in 1988, and Rhythm U.S.A. was incorporated
a year later. Magic Motion is the company’s name
for the functions that bring their clocks alive. The mechanisms
that carry out the fascinating animations are fabricated
from only the highest-quality metal and plastic.
The engineering that goes into creating a Rhythm Clock
is second to none and guarantees flawless operation.
In addition to the animation, Rhythm Clocks feature
a crystal clear sound system that plays along with the
motion. Each clock has its own play list, and every hour
it rotates through a different song. There are three sound
systems used in the clocks that can play as many as eighteen
different songs. These include the Dynamic Wave
System (DWS). Clarion Tone System (CTS), Super
Symphonic Sound System (SSS), and the Westminster
(WSM). The latter features striking, melody and chime.
The WSM is the newest sound system offered by
Rhythm. It is also the only one of its kind being offered
today.
Traditionally, clocks of all types that are fitted with
Westminster Chimes only play Westminster. In addition
to playing Westminster, the WSM also plays popular and
Christmas music. The WSM not only strikes the hour, it
has the 4x4 (quarterly) feature for the Westminster
chime.
The majority of the Magic Motion clocks are housed
in a wood frame. These cases are assembled with a high
level of craftsmanship. The type of wood — oak, birch,
walnut and beech — moldings and stains are all carefully
chosen for the best effect. The correct stain is carefully
matched to the wood making every Rhythm clock a
great addition to any furniture decor.
The Magic Motion clocks are all fitted with battery operated
quartz movements. These movements are
extremely precise, in keeping with the precision timepieces
that Rhythm has been producing since the company
was founded.
Unlike many manufacturers, batteries always are
included with Rhythm Clocks so the clock is ready to use
immediately after taking it out of the box. All Rhythm
Clocks are fitted with a night sensor, which automatically
stops the music when it gets dark, and a volume control
and an on/off switch.
What sets Rhythm apart from the rest of the industry
is its investment in the development of state-of-theart
features and designs. During the last twenty years,
Rhythm’s engineers and designers, practicing the company’s
credo, “Be a leader, never follow,” have even surprised
themselves with the innovations and evolution of
Rhythm’s clocks.
The Magic Motion Small World line includes an
amazing choice of animations. Several clocks feature bell
ringers, organists and other miniature musicians who perform
the melodies while lights blink on and off. Others
open to reveal rotating pictures, flashing crystals and
whirling dancers.
A recent addition to the Rhythm line is the
CTS Voyager . The first in a new fleet of nautical clocks, this
handsome clock’s dial features a detailed picture of an
antique map of the Pacific Ocean. On the hour, the map
splits in half while revolving through a 360-degree revolution
that reveals dolphins and a compass that move
simultaneously with other elements. The CTS system
plays one of twelve classical/popular melodies or three
Christmas selections.
Another new clock for 2007 is the SSS Encore .
Every hour on the hour, the individual numbers and dial
begin an amazing twirling display. As they move, they
reveal graceful dancers and swans, before returning to
their original positions. The animation is accompanied
by one of six country, popular or Christmas melodies.
Representing the “Timecracker” series, the CTS
Timecracker Ultra combines fine woodworking with
Rhythm’s Magic Motion. Like the Voyager, the dial splits
in half on the hour and each half moves to the side, while
revolving through a 360-degree revolution. As the CTS
system plays twelve classical/popular or three Christmas
melodies, the pendulum, fitted with Swarovski crystals,
rotates continuously.
Rhythm’s flagship, and the company’s best selling
clock, is the CTS Nostalgia . Every hour on the hour, the
face opens into three sections to reveal five rotating
bells, accompanied by three brilliant lights that flash to
the sound of the music. The beautiful oak frame, gold
and silver accents and pendlum fitted with Swarosvski
crystals create a truly elegant piece. The clock can play
six different popular melodies and three Christmas songs.
Several Rhythm Clocks are designed specifically for
children. The DWS Li’L Bears includes two little bears
who, on the hour, rotate to one of six children’s melodies.
The DWS Bedtime , available in pink and blue, features
two coaches, pulled by teams of white horses, that run
around the dial, while playing six children's melodies.
In addition to the Magic Motion clocks, Rhythm
also produces an extensive line of mantle clocks. These
include the CTS King Mantle. Measuring an imposing
fifteen inches high by twenty-four-and-a-half inches
wide, the clock plays one of six classical, six popular or
three Christmas melodies. The continually rotating pendulum
contains four Swarovski crystals.
The ” Masters” series is one of the newest additions
to the Rhythm Clock line. The WSM Masters 21 wall
clock’s dial features traditional Roman numerals. It is
housed in an elegant dark beech wood frame measuring
twenty inches in diameter. The dial includes a small seconds
hand located at six o’clock. The one-of-a-kind
movement strikes Westminster, popular and Christmas
melodies.
Kazumi Kinoshita is the president of Rhythm.
Kazumi Kinoshita went to work in Rhythm Clocks’
shipping department in 1976. Working his way up
through the ranks, Kinoshita was appointed president of
Rhythm Hong Kong in 1997 and in 2007, was named
president of Rhythm U.S.A., Inc.
“I take pride in the fact,” Kinoshita says, “that our
company not only offers the best product possible, but
also a great office staff that provides excellent customer
service. My dream is that Americans will fall in love with
our clocks. Rhythm will continue to create and design
new clocks for the American market because Americans
not only love music, they also enjoy the element of surprise.”
Anybody who has seen Rhythm Clocks in action
cannot help but agree with Mr. Kinoshita. When the
hour strikes, and the clocks swing into action, you cannot
help but be amazed at the display of motion, sound
and light. Rhythm Clocks certainly live up to their name
— Magic motion!
If you would like more information about Rhythm
clocks please call 770-640-6311 or email to RhythmUSA@mindspring.com or visit their web site at www.rhythmclock.com
