Desk clock - DIAMOND 钻石 – 1977 Space Age Mechanical Alarm Clock – Emerald Green & Chrome – 中国上海 Shanghai, China Space Age Metal, Glass - 1970-1980 - Serviced & Working Order

DIAMOND 钻石 – Vintage Chinese Mechanical Design, 1977

An exceptional example of vintage Chinese mechanical clockmaking, this Diamond 钻石 mechanical alarm clock from 1977 combines a distinctive Space Age-inspired circular design with an elegant combination of emerald green, polished chrome and pastel pistachio green.

Manufactured in Shanghai, China (中国上海), the clock features an original mechanical movement bearing the engraved inscription 中国上海 – SHANGHAI · CHINA.

Its sculptural profile, unusual colour combination and carefully composed dial make it a particularly attractive piece of late-1970s industrial design.

The clock has been cleaned, serviced and tested. Both the mechanical timekeeping movement and alarm are fully functional.

Design – Circular Geometry, Chrome & Emerald Green

The design is characterised by its prominent circular body, a wide reflective chrome-finished surround and a beautifully contrasting green dial.

The front has an almost futuristic, saucer-like appearance, with its substantial metallic bezel projecting beyond the rounded pastel-green rear housing.

The three-dimensional construction is especially attractive when viewed from the side, revealing the relationship between the polished front, curved glass and softly rounded metal body.

The dial is particularly distinctive.

At its centre is a deep emerald-green surface with a subtle brushed texture, producing different reflections depending on the viewing angle and available light.

Surrounding this green centre is a wide silver-toned chapter ring with a finely textured, almost woven appearance.

Stylised black Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 provide a geometric contrast to the circular composition, while minimalist hour markers maintain a clean, modern aesthetic.

The original hands complete the design:

White hour and minute hands with luminous inserts.

Fine red seconds hand, introducing a vivid contrasting accent.

Small red mechanical alarm indicator positioned beneath 12 o'clock.

Luminous hour markers distributed around the green dial.

Original Diamond emblem and Shanghai-China markings.

The front is protected by genuine domed glass, not plastic.

The curved glass enhances the visual depth of the dial and creates attractive reflections across the polished chrome surround.

The rear housing is finished in a delicate pistachio-green colour, providing a softer contrast to the stronger emerald-green dial.

A shaped metal stand supports the clock at a slightly inclined angle, allowing comfortable reading when positioned on a bedside table, desk or shelf.

Its angular, architectural construction adds another interesting detail to the overall design.

The result is a compact yet visually distinctive object, combining mechanical functionality with the expressive aesthetics of the 1970s.

Diamond 钻石 – Shanghai Mechanical Clockmaking

Diamond, known in Chinese as 钻石 (Zuànshí), is a historic name associated with the Chinese clockmaking industry.

Shanghai (上海), one of China's most important industrial and manufacturing centres, developed a substantial tradition of mechanical clock and watch production throughout the twentieth century.

By the 1960s and 1970s, Shanghai had become a major centre for the manufacture of domestic mechanical timepieces.

Clocks produced during this period combined traditional spring-driven mechanical movements with increasingly modern external designs, introducing coloured metal cases, distinctive dial treatments and new geometric forms.

This Diamond alarm clock reflects that interesting combination of established mechanical engineering and modern decorative design.

Its circular profile, contrasting metallic surfaces and green colour scheme are characteristic of the period's enthusiasm for futuristic forms.

Original Chinese Mechanical Movement – 中国上海

One of the particularly interesting details of this clock is its original mechanical movement.

The brass movement plate carries the engraved inscription:

中国上海
SHANGHAI · CHINA

This marking identifies Shanghai, China, as the manufacturing origin of the movement.

The inscription is clearly visible in the detailed photograph of the exposed mechanism.

The movement features traditional mechanical construction, including brass-toned plates, metal gears, winding assemblies and a mechanical alarm mechanism.

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

Unlike modern quartz clocks, this example operates entirely through a traditional hand-wound mechanical system, without batteries or an electrical connection.

The rear features separate controls for winding and adjusting the clock and alarm.

Both functions have been tested and are operating correctly.

Luminous Dial – An Attractive Period Detail

The white clock hands feature luminous inserts, complemented by luminous hour markers positioned around the green dial.

As shown in the accompanying darkness photograph, these elements retain visible luminosity after exposure to light.

This characteristic adds a practical and decorative detail to the design.

As expected from a vintage timepiece, the intensity and duration of the luminous effect may vary and should not be compared with modern luminous materials.

Condition – Cleaned, Serviced & Fully Functional

This Diamond mechanical alarm clock is presented in attractive vintage condition, retaining its distinctive original colour combination and decorative characteristics.

The clock has been cleaned, serviced and tested.

Mechanical clock movement: fully functional.

Mechanical alarm: fully functional.

Traditional hand-wound mechanism.

Original Chinese mechanical movement.

Original domed glass front.

Luminous hour and minute hands.

Luminous hour markers.

Original chrome-finished front surround.

Original pastel-green metal housing.

Shaped metal support stand.

The chrome-finished surfaces display signs of age and previous use, including fine scratches, small marks and normal surface wear.

The rear green housing also presents minor age-related imperfections.

These characteristics are consistent with the age and history of a vintage mechanical clock.

The overall aesthetic remains particularly appealing, especially the contrast between the emerald-green centre, silver-toned textured dial and polished metallic surround.

Please carefully examine all photographs, including the detailed views of the case, rear housing, glass and mechanical movement.

Technical Specifications

Brand: Diamond 钻石

Type: Mechanical alarm clock / Table clock

Year: 1977

Country: China – 中国

City: Shanghai – 上海

Movement marking: 中国上海 – SHANGHAI · CHINA

Movement: Traditional hand-wound mechanical movement

Functions: Timekeeping and mechanical alarm

Power supply: Mechanical, no batteries required

Dial: Emerald green with textured silver-toned chapter ring

Case: Metal with chrome-finished front and pastel-green rear housing

Glass: Genuine domed glass

Hands: White luminous hour and minute hands, red seconds hand

Support: Shaped metal stand

Dimensions:

Width: approximately 11 cm

Height: approximately 13 cm, including stand

Depth: approximately 7 cm

Condition: Vintage, cleaned, serviced and tested

Operation: Clock and alarm fully functional

VMJ Vintage – Seller Terms for Vintage Mechanical Clocks

Mechanical Operation

This is an original vintage mechanical clock, not a modern quartz timepiece.

Traditional mechanical movements require regular winding and may occasionally need minor adjustments to maintain accurate timekeeping.

Small variations in accuracy, characteristic ticking sounds, mechanical vibrations and the natural operating noises of the alarm mechanism are inherent features of vintage mechanical clocks and should not automatically be considered defects.

Vintage Condition

This item is approximately 49 years old and may display signs of previous use, including minor scratches, small marks, oxidation, surface wear and age-related imperfections.

These characteristics are part of its vintage nature and should be considered when evaluating its condition.

Photographs and Description

All photographs form an integral part of the description and should be carefully reviewed before bidding.

By placing a bid, the buyer acknowledges having reviewed all the photographs and the complete description, including the item's condition, mechanical characteristics and any visible imperfections.

Colours and Appearance

Actual colours, reflections and metallic finishes may vary slightly depending on photographic lighting conditions, screen settings and individual display calibration.

By placing a bid, the buyer acknowledges having carefully reviewed all photographs and the complete description, including the documented condition, mechanical characteristics and visible imperfections.
Please ensure that the shipping address and contact information registered with Catawiki are complete and correct before shipment.
The clock will be carefully protected and securely packed, using appropriate protective materials and double-box packaging where necessary.

Particular attention will be given to protecting the domed glass, mechanical movement and exterior finish during transport.