As some of you might know (or not), I also dabble in collecting vintage electric clocks of the '20s-50s or thereabouts, mostly Telechron actually. But I've always been amazed at the level of Art Deco styling of the old Hammond clocks of the period, which in many cases surpass Telechron IMO. I've just not taken the plunge, until now. Here is a desk clock with day and date from (I would think) the mid-late '30s by its cabinet styling. I haven't opened it up yet, but it is running quietly for now. The thing about these synchronous motors is that you have to "spin" the start knob counterclockwise to start the motor. The far left knob on the back is to quick-set the date. You need (like with a Rolex Day-Date) to slow-set the day of the week by just rotating the hours manually.
To those who know - are 1930's-40's electric clocks hard to maintain and repair, generally speaking? Are they safe to use, given an inspection of the wiring? People like myself, who are ignorant of electrical work, fear they will just burst into flames with some bad luck.
I usually don't have any problems if the cord is in good shape, and it runs quietly. A few clocks I have have been serviced (gearwork cleaned and oiled). I have replaced the rotor (rebuilt by someone else) in a couple Telechrons.