Under the title “In the Spell of Clocks”, our latest permanent exhibition has opened thanks to the horologist József Preisz from Zalaegerszeg. The master is a defining, iconic figure of the city; he can be met at many local events, and he maintains the clock mechanism of the St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church whenever it requires servicing. The idea and realization of the “ground-level tower clock” in front of the Hevesi Sándor Theatre are also linked to his name.
It was one of his long-standing dreams that his unique collection of clocks, gathered over six decades, would find a worthy home, as among the treasured artefacts there are true rarities.
The “In the Spell of Clocks” Collection
József Preisz received his first clock while still young, as an apprentice, from his master, and has been collecting valuable timepieces ever since. The earliest clock in the exhibition dates back to the 1600s, and visitors can also see a backwards-running wall clock, special standing and mantel clocks, as well as pieces that were either purchased or received as gifts by the collector.
Some pieces are linked to incredible stories: in one display case, there is a pocket watch that, while carried in a breast pocket, saved its owner’s life during the Great War.
The four-hundred-piece collection includes numerous wristwatches, pocket watches, wall clocks, and grandfather clocks. As the mayor of the city stated at the opening, the collection is about the past, can be viewed in the present, and was created for the future.
The exhibition titled “In the Spell of Clocks – Selection from the Watchmaker József Preisz’s Collection” can now be visited during the opening hours of the Göcseji Museum, in the ground-floor exhibition space.
Clocks and Stories
Many pieces in the collection are tied to memorable stories. As a teaser, a few of them are highlighted below.
Clock from the 1978 World Cup
A beautiful gilded wristwatch, given to József Preisz by his friend Zoltán Kereki, captain of the Hungarian national football team with 37 caps. It was brought back from the 1978 FIFA World Cup.
Baroque-style Russian Imperial Clock
On his way home from Győr, Preisz József stopped in a village after noticing a flea market. He originally wanted to buy a small basket. That was when he spotted this beautiful clock with a mirror. He asked the price. At that moment he realized the seller had no idea what value he was holding. He naturally paid for it and immediately shifted into second gear in his car so no one would follow him.
Biedermeier-framed Clock
Dating from the early 1800s. Both the mechanism and the frame were in ruins. He is very grateful to Imre Horváth, chief restorer of the Göcseji Museum, who restored the clock to its original condition.
First Repaired POBEDA Clock from 1963
He received it as a gift from his master. He was given a watch to repair; it turned out so well that he was given it as a gift. He set it aside, and this marked the beginning of his clock collection.
A Clock That Runs Backwards but Keeps Time
In 1994, he was in Israel, where he saw a clock running backwards. He thought that if it could be done there, he could do it too. The backwards-running clock in the collection is actually his own work. Friends often ask what makes it run backwards. The answer: “You just have to turn the battery around inside it!” 🙂
Life-saving Pocket Watch from World War I
An elderly lady once contacted Mr. Preisz, saying she would like to donate a watch to him because she trusted he would preserve it. During World War I, this watch saved her husband’s life. It was in his upper coat pocket when a shrapnel hit, which was stopped by the watch dial.
Puskás Ferenc “Öcsi” – Two Doxa Watches
What is especially interesting is how the two watches made it into the country in the 1950s. On their way home from national team matches, Öcsi and his teammates almost always stopped in Vienna. On Maria Hilfer Street they went shopping and hid what they bought – including watches – inside a stitched football. At the border, the customs officer reportedly said: “Comrade Puskás, show us some keepy-uppies!” pointing at the football filled with watches. He replied: “Unfortunately I can’t, I’m too tired!” – and they let him through…
