Desk clock - Diamond 菱形 – 1973 Space Age Mechanical Clock – Emerald Green & Chrome Space Age Metal, Glass - 1970-1980 - Serviced & Working Order

Diamond 菱形 – 1973 Space Age Curved Mechanical Table Clock – Emerald Green & Chrome – Fully Working & Serviced

An exceptional example of 1970s Space Age and Modernist design, this original Diamond mechanical table clock features an unusual curved rectangular silhouette, a deep emerald-green dial, a polished chrome-finish frame and a contrasting pastel-green metal housing.

Dating from 1973, with the engraved marking "7303" on the mechanical movement, interpreted as March 1973, this distinctive Chinese-made clock combines striking geometric design with traditional mechanical clockmaking.

The clock is fully functional, and its original mechanical movement has been cleaned and serviced.

A particularly interesting characteristic of this model is that it is exclusively a mechanical timekeeping clock, without an alarm function. Unlike many compact mechanical clocks of the period, which incorporated an alarm mechanism, this example is dedicated entirely to displaying the time.

Design & Aesthetic

The most remarkable feature of this Diamond clock is its unconventional architectural shape.

Unlike traditional round or square table clocks, this model features a wide, horizontally curved rectangular body, creating a particularly elegant panoramic appearance.

The gently curved upper and lower edges give the clock a sculptural quality, while the substantial polished chrome-finish frame emphasises its distinctive geometry.

The front is dominated by an attractive deep emerald-green dial, beautifully contrasted by a pale pastel-green surround and the reflective metallic frame.

The dial is characterised by a refined minimalist composition:

Rich emerald-green background with a glossy appearance.

Large, stylised Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock.

Fine linear hour markers terminating in small square metallic accents.

Elegant gold-tone hour and minute hands.

Slender central seconds hand.

Small decorative emblem positioned beneath the 12 o'clock marker.

Original Chinese characters and the inscription "MADE IN CHINA".

The elegant, elongated hands complement the minimalist composition without disturbing the visual balance of the dial.

The dial is protected by a curved transparent front cover, following the distinctive shape of the surrounding frame.

Two small tapered metal feet support the front of the clock, contributing to its light, almost floating appearance.

At the rear, a third metal support completes the three-point standing arrangement.

Particularly interesting is the contrast between the wide, rectangular front and the rounded mechanical movement housing protruding from the back.

This circular rear section is finished in soft pastel green, creating an attractive combination of curved, rectangular and cylindrical forms.

Viewed from different angles, the clock reveals an almost architectural character, making it an appealing decorative object as well as a functional timepiece.

Its combination of emerald green, pastel green, polished chrome and gold-tone details makes it a characteristic example of the expressive colours and materials associated with the Space Age aesthetic.

Mechanical Movement – Original 1973 Production

The clock is fitted with a traditional Chinese mechanical wind-up movement, with a visible balance assembly, metal gear train and mechanical regulation components.

The movement bears the original markings:

中國製造 – MADE IN CHINA

7303 – Production date code, interpreted as March 1973.

This engraved numerical marking provides an interesting historical detail and supports the dating of the clock to the early 1970s.

Unlike modern battery-powered quartz clocks, this model operates entirely through mechanical energy stored in its mainspring.

No batteries or electrical connection are required.

An interesting feature is the absence of an alarm mechanism.

Although many vintage mechanical table clocks of comparable dimensions were designed primarily as alarm clocks, this Diamond model was conceived as a dedicated timepiece.

Its purpose is straightforward: to display the time through a traditional mechanical movement, while also serving as an attractive decorative object.

This design choice complements its clean and minimalist appearance, distinguishing it from more conventional mechanical alarm clocks of the period.

The rear of the clock features the mechanical winding and time-setting controls, together with the rate-regulation system.

The movement has been cleaned and serviced, preserving its original mechanical construction.

Photographs showing the internal movement are included, allowing collectors to appreciate its traditional gear train, balance assembly and period construction.

Functionality – Fully Working

The clock has been tested and is fully functional.

Mechanical clock movement: fully working.

Timekeeping mechanism: tested and operational.

Mechanical winding: operational.

Time-setting controls: operational.

Mechanical movement: cleaned and serviced.

Alarm function: not present by original design.

No batteries or electrical connection required.

The clock retains the characteristic ticking sound of a traditional mechanical movement.

As with all mechanical timepieces of this age, occasional adjustment may be necessary to maintain the desired accuracy.

Historical & Design Context

During the 1960s and early 1970s, clock design underwent an important aesthetic transformation.

Traditional decorative forms increasingly gave way to modern geometric shapes, bold colour combinations and new approaches to domestic industrial design.

Rectangular cases, curved surfaces, metallic finishes and vivid colours became characteristic elements of the period.

This Diamond clock is an interesting expression of those tendencies.

Its wide, curved rectangular body and deep green dial provide a distinctly modern appearance, while its internal construction remains rooted in traditional mechanical clockmaking.

What makes this particular example especially interesting is its combination of compact dimensions, sculptural design and purely mechanical timekeeping, without the addition of an alarm function.

Rather than following the conventional design of a bedside alarm clock, it presents itself as a small decorative table or desk clock, suitable for a modernist interior, office or display cabinet.

The contrast between its sculptural exterior and compact mechanical movement illustrates the coexistence of established clockmaking techniques and changing decorative tastes.

The original Chinese manufacturing marks and the 7303 date code add further historical interest.

Today, the clock is particularly appealing to collectors of vintage mechanical timepieces, 1970s decorative objects, Space Age design and colourful modernist interiors.

Technical Specifications

Brand: Diamond

Period: 1970s

Production date: 1973, with engraved code 7303 (interpreted as March 1973)

Country of manufacture: China

Original marking: 中國製造 / MADE IN CHINA

Type: Mechanical table / desk clock

Style: Space Age / Modernist / Mid-Century inspired

Movement: Traditional mechanical wind-up

Function: Timekeeping only

Alarm: Not present – original design without alarm

Dial: Deep emerald green

Front frame: Polished chrome finish

Housing: Pastel-green painted metal

Hands: Gold tone

Front cover: Curved transparent cover

Support: Three-point metal support arrangement

Width: Approximately 13 cm

Height: Approximately 11 cm

Depth: Approximately 5 cm

Power supply: Fully mechanical, no batteries

Condition: Vintage, cleaned and serviced

Functionality: Fully working

Vintage Condition

The clock is preserved in authentic vintage condition, retaining its attractive original appearance and distinctive 1970s character.

The mechanical movement has been cleaned and serviced. The clock has been tested and is functioning.

As expected from an original vintage object dating from 1973, there are signs of age and previous use.

These include minor surface scratches, small marks and wear to the polished chrome-finish frame, together with some paint loss and oxidation on the rear metal housing, particularly around the rear support and fixing points.

The emerald-green dial remains visually attractive, preserving its distinctive colour and original graphic composition.

The contrasting pastel-green metal body retains its period appearance.

These imperfections are part of the object's authentic vintage condition and are clearly documented in the photographs.

Please examine all photographs carefully, including the close-up images of the mechanical movement, rear housing and chrome-finish frame, as they form an integral part of the description.


Vintage Mechanical Clocks

This is an original vintage mechanical table clock dating from 1973.

The movement has been cleaned and serviced, and the clock is fully functional.

Please note that this model was manufactured as a mechanical timekeeping clock only and does not feature an alarm mechanism. The absence of an alarm is an original characteristic of the model, not a missing or defective function.

Vintage mechanical timepieces should not be expected to provide the same precision, reliability or maintenance-free operation as modern quartz clocks.

Timekeeping accuracy may vary depending on winding condition, positioning, temperature, regulation and the natural characteristics of an older mechanical movement.

Occasional winding, adjustment or regulation may be required.

Normal mechanical ticking, vibration and operating sounds are inherent features of this type of clock and should not be considered defects.

Vintage Condition & Photographs

The clock is sold as a vintage collectible object, with age-related wear and imperfections as described and photographed.

Colours and reflections may vary slightly depending on lighting conditions, photographic equipment and individual screen settings.

By placing a bid, the buyer acknowledges having carefully reviewed all photographs and the complete description, including the documented condition, mechanical characteristics, absence of an alarm function and visible imperfections.

Packing & Shipping

The clock will be carefully packed with appropriate protective materials, paying particular attention to the transparent front cover, external frame, metal supports and mechanical movement.

A double-box packaging system will be used whenever appropriate to provide additional protection during transport.

Please ensure that the shipping address and contact information registered with Catawiki are complete and correct before shipment.