190 Years of Hainz: Prague’s National Technical Museum Celebrates Historic Clockmaker

The National Technical Museum in Prague is dedicating an exhibition to Hainz, the oldest Czech clockmaking company, to mark its 190th anniversary. The exhibition traces the development of the family business from its beginnings in traditional craftsmanship to modern clock production, while also exploring the eventful history of the family.

Under the title “Sága rodu Hainzů” (The Saga of the Hainz Family), the National Technical Museum (NTM) in Prague presents from today, 14 October 2026 the history of a company that has shaped Czech clockmaking for generations. The exhibition focuses not only on technical developments and craftsmanship traditions, but also on the political and social upheavals that influenced the fate of the family and its business.

In the first half of the 20th century, Hainz was one of the most important companies in the Czechoslovak clockmaking industry. Its product range extended from personal timepieces and tower clocks to modern industrial timekeeping systems.

Photo: Národní technické muzeum

The company maintains a special connection to Prague’s famous Astronomical Clock (Orloj) at the Old Town Hall to this day. Since the 19th century, Hainz has been responsible for the operation and maintenance of the historic clock mechanism.

Nationalisation and a New Beginning After 1989

The successful development of the family business was interrupted by the communist takeover in Czechoslovakia. The company was nationalised, and the family assets built up over generations were lost.

It was only after the political changes of 1989 that the descendants of the founders were able to revive the family tradition and rebuild the company. Today, the Hainz brand represents a combination of traditional clockmaking craftsmanship, technical innovation and business continuity.

Photo: Národní technické muzeum

Historic Clock Mechanisms and a Virtual Orloj

The exhibition offers an insight into the technical development of timekeeping. Exhibits include artefacts from the early days of industrial clock production, early systems for introducing standardised timekeeping, and historic time clocks.

Another focus is on tower clocks. The exhibition features a wide selection of historic clock mechanisms, including the original mechanism from Prague’s Industrial Palace. The presentation is complemented by a current limited-edition collection of Hainz wristwatches.

A special exhibit is a virtual 3D model of Prague’s Astronomical Clock, developed by CESNET.

Photo: Národní technické muzeum

“The exhibition features artefacts from the early days of industrial clock production, examples of early systems for standardised timekeeping, time clocks and a wide range of tower clocks, including the original clock mechanism from the Industrial Palace,” explains David Hamr, curator at the National Technical Museum and author of the exhibition.

With the exhibition marking the company's 190th anniversary, the National Technical Museum not only traces the development of a traditional Czech company but also provides an insight into the country's industrial and social history.

Further information about the exhibition can be found under “Sága rodu Hainzů” (The Saga of the Hainz Family) on the museum's website.


Národní technické muzeum (Technical Museum)
Kostelní 42, 170 78 Praha 7
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