Desk clock - Rhythm Watch Co., Ltd, Japan Turquoise Blue Sunburst Dial Space Age Plastic, Metal, Glass - 1970-1980 - Italian, Day Date

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Rhythm Space Age Alarm Clock Ref. 51114 – Italian Day/Date Calendar – 2 Jewels – Japan – 1970s
Original vintage Rhythm mechanical alarm clock, reference No. 51114, made in Japan and dating from the late 1960s / early 1970s Space Age period.
A highly decorative example of Japanese clock design, combining a compact rounded form, metallic finishes, vivid colour contrasts and an unusual Italian-language calendar display.
Space Age Design
The clock features a sculptural, almost spherical capsule-shaped body in deep glossy blue, framed at the front by a wide brushed-metal-effect surround and polished chrome bezel.
Its most striking feature is the beautiful metallic blue / turquoise sunburst dial, which changes appearance depending on the angle of the light, moving from deep petrol blue to brighter turquoise reflections.
The applied hour markers are particularly characteristic of the period: raised chrome rectangular elements with bright orange inserts, creating a strong contrast against the blue dial.
Small luminous dots are positioned around the hour track, while the substantial chrome hands also incorporate luminous elements. As shown in the photographs, the luminous material still produces a visible glow after exposure to light.
The combination of metallic blue, polished chrome, orange accents and geometric detailing gives the clock a very recognizable Japanese Space Age aesthetic.
Italian Day & Date Calendar
One of the most interesting features of this example is its Italian-language day and date calendar.
The calendar aperture displays the numerical date together with abbreviated Italian weekdays such as:
LUN – MAR – MER – GIO – VEN – SAB
while DOM (Domenica / Sunday) is printed in red, creating a traditional visual distinction for Sunday.
The remaining weekdays are printed in blue.
This Italian calendar configuration adds considerable character to the clock and makes it particularly appealing for collectors of Japanese clocks produced for the European market.
Japanese Manufacture
The dial is marked:
RHYTHM
2 JEWELS ALARM CLOCK
JAPAN
The rear of the clock is also marked:
NO. 51114 – JAPAN
The clock was manufactured in Japan by Rhythm Watch Co., Ltd.
During this period, Rhythm operated several production facilities in Japan, including important manufacturing bases in Saitama, Tochigi and Fukushima Prefectures.
The historic Rhythm production base was located in:
Shōwa-machi, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
埼玉県北葛飾郡庄和町 日本
This area is today part of:
Kasukabe City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
埼玉県春日部市 日本
As the reference number itself does not identify the exact individual factory where this specific clock was assembled, it is more accurate to describe it as Made in Japan by Rhythm, rather than attributing this particular example to one specific factory.
Mechanical Movement
The clock is fitted with a traditional 2-jewel mechanical movement and therefore requires no battery or electrical connection.
Rear controls allow adjustment of:
- Time
- Alarm
- Day
- Date
- Movement regulation
- Winding
Specifications
Manufacturer: Rhythm
Model / Reference: No. 51114
Country of manufacture: Japan / 日本
Manufacturer: Rhythm Watch Co., Ltd.
Historic manufacturing base: Shōwa-machi, Saitama Prefecture / 埼玉県北葛飾郡庄和町
Present-day location: Kasukabe City, Saitama Prefecture / 埼玉県春日部市
Period: circa late 1960s / 1970s
Movement: Mechanical – 2 Jewels
Functions: Time, alarm, day and date calendar
Calendar language: Italian
Day display: weekdays in blue, DOM / Sunday in red
Dial: Metallic blue / turquoise sunburst
Hour markers: Applied chrome with orange inserts
Hands: Chrome with luminous inserts
Case colour: Dark blue with brushed-metal and chrome detailing
Dimensions: approximately 11.5 cm diameter × 8.5 cm depth
Condition
In good vintage condition, with signs of age and use consistent with its period.
The metallic blue sunburst dial remains particularly attractive, retaining its strong colour and reflective radial finish.
The chrome and brushed-metal surfaces show normal age-related marks, light scratches and wear, visible in the detailed photographs.
The dark blue case also presents some surface marks consistent with vintage use.
The applied chrome and orange hour markers are present and create a particularly distinctive visual effect.
No major structural damage is visible.
The photographs have deliberately been taken from multiple angles and at close range in order to accurately document the actual condition of the clock.
Working Condition
The clock has been checked and tested.
The mechanical movement runs correctly.
The alarm is functioning.
The Italian day and date calendar advances correctly, including the colour-coded weekday wheel with DOM in red.
The luminous elements on the dial and hands remain visible in darkness after exposure to light, as shown in the photographs.
As with all original mechanical clocks of this age, absolute modern precision cannot be guaranteed and occasional regulation may be required.
More than simply an alarm clock, the Rhythm No. 51114 is a highly decorative example of the optimism and experimentation associated with Japanese Space Age design.
Its rounded body, deep metallic-blue sunburst dial, oversized chrome details and vivid orange accents give it an unmistakable late-1960s / 1970s character.
The unusual Italian-language calendar with red DOM indication, together with its original mechanical movement and Japanese manufacture, makes this particular example especially interesting for collectors of Space Age design, Mid-Century Modern interiors, vintage Japanese clocks and mechanical desk objects.The item offered is original, vintage and pre-owned, and is described accurately and in good faith.
Before listing, the item is carefully cleaned, tested and documented with detailed photographs and, where applicable, a video showing its actual condition and functionality.
All functions mentioned in the description are tested and verified and are tested again before shipment as a final quality check.
Photographs and any accompanying video form an integral part of the description and accurately represent the condition of the item at the time of listing.
As this is a vintage item, minor signs of age and normal wear are to be expected and are consistent with its age.
Any structural damage, missing parts or non-functioning features are clearly disclosed in the description and/or visible in the images.
Colours may vary slightly due to lighting conditions, camera settings and individual screen settings.
The item will be professionally packed using protective materials and double-boxed where appropriate.
Shipping is tracked and insured.
The item is handed over to the carrier in the same condition as documented prior to dispatch.
In the unfortunate event of damage during transport, the buyer is kindly requested to follow Catawiki's applicable procedures and guidelines within the required timeframe and to retain all original packaging materials until the case has been resolved.
The buyer is responsible for providing a correct and complete shipping address and for collecting the parcel within the carrier's specified timeframe.
In case of non-collection, refusal of delivery or an incorrect/incomplete address, Catawiki's applicable procedures and conditions will apply.
By placing a bid, the buyer confirms that they have carefully read the complete description and reviewed all photographs and any accompanying video.
This is an original vintage mechanical item.
Due to its age and original components, slight variations in performance, accuracy or behaviour may occur over time, even when fully functional at the time of testing.
All stated functions have been tested and verified at the time of listing and will be tested again before shipment.
The item has not been modified unless explicitly stated and is intended for normal use consistent with its age, or for collection and display.