National Panasonic / RC-185 / 1970s

National Panasonic RC-185

A super clean and refurbished 1973 (May, 1973) vintage AM National Panasonic RC-185 flip clock and alarm/radio which is the same as the US version which was the RC-1085. Panasonic had the "National" moniker in the name until around the late 70s in Japan. It has a really great Mid-Century aesthetic to it. This one is directly from Japan as it was meant for the 100v Japanese market only. The bright colors of this clock never made it to the US so to see one in red is special. This clock could run on 50 or 60hz as Japan has 2 electrical grids. The motor has been locked into 60hz so it will tell time correctly here in the US. All capacitors have been replaced. These older Panasonics are filled with the purple-colored early-era Panasonic capacitors which leak and eventually fail from age. The radio volume is nice and crisp now. The alarm has two settings...wake to radio or wake to a buzzer that comes through the speaker.

National Panasonic RC-185 — photograph 2

National Panasonic RC-185 — photograph 3

National Panasonic RC-185 — photograph 4

National Panasonic RC-185 — photograph 5

National Panasonic RC-185 — photograph 6

National Panasonic RC-185 — photograph 7

Restoration notes

Completely disassembled and cleaned. There are some small scratches and scuffs/nicks on the case. All switches disassembled and/or cleaned/tested. The inoperable motor was cleaned and oiled using synthetic lubricant. Now working smoothly and quietly. Keeps perfect time. All digit flaps inspected for smooth movement. Alarm and sleep (countdown) mode function perfectly. The burned out internal light was replaced with OEM spec incandescent light. Polished the acrylic window. It is in excellent shape, but has a few blemishes. All circuit board traces inspected for corrosion/lifting. All capacitors, diodes, resistors inspected for leaking, burning or any other type of potential failure. Replaced as needed. A total of 7 capacitors were replaced. The radio sounds nice and crisp with no crackling at all when volume is adjusted. 72 hour test of all features. Operates on 100 volts/60hz. Made in Japan.

Condition

SOLD