Porsche 914 Clocks (Center Console)

Timing is Everything

Concurrent with the introduction of the 2.0 liter four-cylinder Porsche 914 models in 1973 was an optional three-gauge center console (part of the "Appearance Group"). This console contained a clock, an oil temperature gauge and a voltage gauge. Although many subsequent Porsche and VW models offered similar console and gauge packages, the VDO units used in the Porsche 914 cars are a unique 60 mm size. The more common, smaller 52 mm gauges from the later Porsche and VW vehicles will not fit the 914 center console without modification, and they are styled differently. The 60 mm units used in the Porsche 914 console are no longer produced by VDO or any other company.

As with the dashboard gauges, the 1973 console gauges are slightly different than later versions. As described below, the console gauge that changed most substantially is the clock. It is unusual to find a working Porsche 914 clock; they generally require repair. Problems common to the 914 clocks are needle fading, bezel ring rusting and lens fogging. Unlike the other console gauges which have glass lenses, the clocks have plastic lenses (likely because they have a hole drilled in the center to accommodate the time adjustment knob) which are prone to scratching and cracking.

As noted above, the optional three gauge console (with the clock) was introduced in 1973, so Porsche 914/6 drivers must wear watches.

Current eBay listings for Porsche 914 clocks (compare listed gauges with those pictured on this page to ensure authenticity and model year utilization):

Porsche 914 Center Console Clocks on eBAY

1973 Porsche 914 Clocks

The 1973 and very early 1974 Porsche 914 clock is a spring-driven unit that uses intermittent electrical charges to rewind the spring. There is a tiny adjustment screw on the rear of the gauge to speed or slow the clock as necessary. The driving mechanism is accessible via removal of three 5 mm nuts and subsequently a white plastic cover from the rear. Initial removal of the rear cover requires breaking off a wax-filled plastic enclosure surrounding one of the nuts (pictured at right) which probably invalidates any warranty (no-doubt already expired). The clock face, needles and inside of the lens are accessible only by prying off the molded steel bezel ring. Failure of these VDO "Kienzle" clocks, part number 914 641 119 10, generally results from the triggering of a spring-loaded, thermal-solder "fuse" connection that can be easily repaired with a needle-type solder gun. This fuse is clearly identified and described on a sticker affixed to the side of the removable rear plastic cover.

1974 - 1976  Porsche 914 Clocks

The VDO clocks used in the 1974-1976 Porsche 914 center console are sealed units with the mechanisms accessible only by prying off the molded steel bezel ring. This later "Quarz-Zeit" clock is more accurate but also more prone to failure. The driving mechanism is a small motor as opposed to the spring-driven design in the 1973 models. The "Quarz-Zeit" clock, also designated part number 914 641 119 10, commonly suffers from motor failure or plastic gear/shaft breakage, rendering the unit inoperable.