Working alongside Dover District Council the Smith of Derby team are proud to have installed a bespoke clock at the recently refurbished Deal Pier. The art-deco clock was installed as part of the pier regeneration project and is a replacement of the original timepiece, which was a prominent feature of the pier for a number of years.
Opened in 1957, Deal Pier celebrated its diamond anniversary in 2017. As part of the Pier’s focus, a renovation plan was revealed which included a new clock. Situated on both the North Sea and the English Channel, Deal was once England’s busiest port but is now an internationally regarded fishing location. The £1.1m renovation project has a clear focus of increasing tourism and use of the pier.
The new art-deco dial and hands were inspired by the English Clock Systems unique design to represent the time period the pier was first opened. Complimenting the dial and hands is a bespoke clock case, to ensure the timepiece is securely fixed to the pier.
Fabricated in house by the Smith of Derby team, the marine grade stainless steel case was then syntha pulvin powder coated to ensure durability and protection from the coastal conditions. The LED backlit acrylic dial presents the time to those passing by, both day and night, and is protected by a lexan cover glass. Finally, the laser cut clock hands are powered by a Smith of Derby synchronous movement and supported, in the event of a power cut, by a permanent inverter.
Left to Right: Fabricated clock case before it is powder coated and the acrylic dial.
James Armishaw, who led the project for Smith of Derby, was delighted with the outcome. “This bespoke art-deco timepiece was the perfect project for us. Working alongside Dover District Council was a delight and we seamlessly integrated the clock for their renovation scheme.”
Left: The feature clock at the pier. Right: The synchronous movement and LED lighting.