Diamond (Zuanshi) brand mechanical alarm clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1970-1975
This mechanical alarm clock was manufactured in Shanghai, China, by the Shanghai Stopwatch Factory between 1970 and 1975. The object features a metallic casing and a blue dial marked with the Diamond (Zuanshi) brand.
It was produced for the export market, as evidenced by the English-language markings on the dial. The clock measures approximately 97 mm in height, 140 mm in width, and 85 mm in depth. The design includes a clear graphical diamond logo on the dial above the central hand arbor. The rear of the clock features control knobs and a regulation scale for the movement.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1970-1975
- Type
- Alarm clock
- Brand
- Diamond (Zuanshi)
- Maker
- Shanghai Stopwatch Factory
- Measurements
- 97 mm x 140 mm x 85 mm
- Place recorded
- China
- Maker / attribution
- Shanghai Stopwatch Factory
- Place of manufacture
- Shanghai, China
Design
- Design and Dial
- The alarm clock presents a rectangular profile with a metallic outer frame and a blue dial. The dial layout includes prominent white indices and the Diamond (Zuanshi) brand symbol, depicted as a faceted diamond motif located above the center of the dial. The hands are gold-toned and include a distinct alarm-setting hand. The dial is also printed with the text 'MADE IN CHINA', consistent with its history as an export model produced during the 1970s for consumers in Britain.
- Visible features
- • Blue dial with central diamond logo and English text • Metallic rectangular casing with four small feet • Rear regulation scale marked with plus and minus symbols • Three gold-toned hands with a separate alarm indicator hand
- Manufacturing History
- The clock was produced by the Shanghai Stopwatch Factory, an entity that emerged from a series of institutional changes within the Shanghai clock industry. Initially formed as the Tak On Clock Factory in 1932, the firm underwent significant changes following destruction in 1937 and subsequent rebuilding. By 1955, the factory was consolidated into the Shanghai Clock and Watch Industry Company. Following a shift toward specialized production in 1959, the factory adopted the name Shanghai Stopwatch Factory in 1966, under which it continued to produce alarm clocks such as this specimen.
- Movement and Rear Configuration
- The rear of the clock housing contains the manual winding and setting components. It features a regulation mechanism marked with a scale including plus and minus indicators to facilitate adjustment of the mechanical movement's timekeeping rate. The mechanical movement is encased entirely within the metallic body of the clock.
Identification
- Accession number
- 2021-625
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The specific export destination within Britain is not documented beyond general statements
- Research required: The precise internal mechanical escapement configuration is not visible