Zenith Chronograph Desk Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1930
Maker / issuer
ZenithThis Zenith desk clock, designated as Model 58, was manufactured circa 1930 for the Swiss Postal Service. The object features a four-body stainless steel construction with a polished circular base that incorporates a pivoted housing for the clock head, allowing for adjustability.
The clock case measures 71 mm in diameter, while the overall dimensions are 12 x 10.7 cm. The watch movement, number 5036800, is a rhodium-plated caliber 4219 with 18 lignes, 17 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a Breguet balance spring. The dial design is complex, displaying black Arabic numerals, an outer minutes and fifths-of-a-second track, outermost red five-second intervals, and inner red 24-hour numerals.
It is equipped with two subsidiary dials for running seconds and a 30-minute chronograph register, operated by buttons positioned at 11 and 1 o'clock.
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
- circa 1930
- Type
- Desk clock
- Maker
- Zenith
- Model
- Model 58
- Dimensions
- 12 x 10.7 cm
- Case Material
- Stainless steel
- Serial Number
- 5036800
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Caliber
- Cal. 4219
- Maker / attribution
- Zenith
Design
- Visible features
- • Pivoted housing allows the angle of the clock face to be adjusted • Chronograph pushers are integrated into the top of the case band at 11 and 1 o'clock • Dial features both standard 12-hour black numerals and red 24-hour markers • Subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position
- Movement and Escapement
- The internal mechanism is a Zenith Caliber 4219, measuring 18 lignes. It is finished with rhodium plating and features fausses cotes decoration. The caliber is constructed with 17 jewels and incorporates a straight-line lever escapement. Technical features include a monometallic balance paired with a self-compensating Breguet balance spring. It is equipped with a shock absorber and an index regulator for timing adjustments. The movement is signed and corresponds numerically to the case.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The clock is built within a four-body, polished stainless steel frame. The assembly consists of a circular stand base attached to a pivoted housing, which holds the timepiece and can be adjusted as required. This structure is secured to the stand by three screws, with the movement and dial encased behind a rounded bezel on a flat band. Records indicate this specific model was produced for the Swiss Postal Service Directorate for use in office environments. The dial surface is white and printed with a variety of timekeeping markers. Arabic numerals denote the primary hours, accompanied by outer graduation for minutes and fifths of a second. Additionally, it features red five-second markers at the periphery and a red inner 24-hour scale. Two subsidiary dials facilitate the chronograph functions, providing a 30-minute register and continuous seconds.
- Provenance and Documentation
- This desk clock configuration is documented in external literature, specifically identified in the 2009 publication regarding Zenith's history. The auction house assesses the overall condition through a specific grading system.
Identification
- Reference
- Model 58
- Serial number
- 5036800
- 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 exact extent of original finish remains unverified by the auction report
- Research required: Condition of the movement is rated with a recommendation for an overhaul