1843
Johann Meyer was the clockman of
the Ottoman Empire. At the age of 33, he returned to the
city of his early childhood Constantinople to serve in the
service of Sultan Abdulhamid II. Johann was born on 18
November 1843 in Athens, due to his father’s work in the
Royal-Greek military corps. Shortly after Johann's birth,
the family went to Constantinople(Istanbul), where he spent
his first four years. The Meyer family again moved back to
Greece: in the north, to Thessaloniki.
1876
Johann has educated in Berlin.
He worked in a watchmaker's workshop at Unter den Linden
when he hears of a tender: The Sultan of the Ottoman Empire
was looking for a watchmaker. Johann applied and choosen for
the position. He was the clockmaster of "Yıldız
Palace" 1876, in Constantinople (Istanbul).
1878
He made and repaired all the
watches and clocks that are in the palace, as well as to
those of the princes and princesses, the higher officials,
generals and ministers. Johann founded "Meyer Clock
Shop", a watchmaker's shop in the heart of
Constantinople. At this time, the Tunel-train was built,
connecting the district of Karakoy with the Galata.
Johann Meyer opened his shop on 1 May 1878 just in front of the stop of the new subway, as it hopes to walk-in customers. And his plan worked. Business was excellent, so that he would soon have to hire two staff. The "Alman Saatci" the German watchmaker, soon very well knowned far beyond the borders of the city. Still include princes and senior officials to its customers.
1886
Johann was a master of his craft, and he had a very
interesting project: He wanted to design a clock, that
displays both the European Time and the prayer times for
Muslims ,which is triggered by the position of the sun.
After 8 years of hard work, he successed this uniqe clock,
and he gave this to Sultan as a gift and he was awarded by a
medal of honor.
1914
On September 3, 1883 Johann's son Emil was born. He became a watchmaker too, after a education in Berlin like his father did. He took over the business after he returned to Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1914.
1920
Emil married Martha Louise Josephine Kinkelin, also
born in Istanbul. The marriage gave four children. Johann
Meyer died on August 4, 1920. He was buried in the
Protestant cemetery in Istanbul in Meyer's family grave.
Emil continued the clock shop successfully 34 years.
1954
Johann’s business continued to exist many years after his dead. Emil’s son Wolfgang Meyer took over the family business and the shop after he lost his father in 1954.
1955
Wolfgang Meyer, had designed iconic vintage clocks in 1955.
1975
Wolfgang also imported Timecard machines to the country as a pioneer in Turkey clocks and guard clocks. At the same time he designed different wall clocks began limited production.
1981
The company has been operated successfully and has grown, till Wolfgang Meyer death in 1981, Wolfgang Meyer, leaves a testament to its stake in the company, Nahsen Bayindir like a son.
1990
Nahsen Bayindir, made a lot of innovation and achievement. The business evoled much and became a timeless clock producer.
2015
The clock has gained a modern and minimal look by Onur Bayındır.
