Desk clock - POLARIS 北极星 – 1974 Chinese Mechanical Alarm Clock – Sky Blue Metal Case – Chrome & Glass – Space Age Metal, Glass, Plastic - 1970-1980 - Serviced & Working Order

A Distinctive Example of 1970s Chinese Mechanical Clockmaking

An attractive original POLARIS (北极星) mechanical alarm clock, dating to 1974, featuring a beautifully shaped sky-blue metal body, polished chrome details, genuine glass front and a traditional mechanical movement marked CHEFOO CHINA.

A particularly charming example of vintage Chinese clockmaking, combining mechanical craftsmanship with the elegant, futuristic styling of the 1960s and 1970s.

The clock has been carefully disassembled, inspected, cleaned and lubricated.

Both the mechanical clock movement and the alarm mechanism have been tested and are working.

Design – Sky Blue, Chrome and Mid-Century Modern Elegance

The most immediately striking feature is the beautifully proportioned rectangular metal case, finished in a soft pastel sky-blue colour.

Its distinctive design combines gently rounded corners, a curved body and a wide horizontal profile, creating a streamlined appearance strongly reminiscent of the Mid-Century Modern and Space Age design movements.

The original metal construction gives the clock a reassuringly solid feel, while its relatively compact dimensions make it ideal for a desk, bedside table, bookshelf or vintage design collection.

Particularly attractive details include:

Original sky-blue painted metal body, with a smooth, rounded silhouette.

Polished chrome-plated front bezel, elegantly framing the dial.

Genuine glass crystal, rather than a plastic front, providing a more refined appearance and allowing easy cleaning.

Soft grey dial, creating an attractive contrast with the light-blue case.

Raised golden hour markers, with rectangular markers at the four principal positions and small circular markers for the remaining hours.

Elegant golden hands, including a slender central seconds hand.

Original POLARIS logo, accompanied by the characteristic compass-star emblem and Chinese characters 北极星.

Decorative red alarm-setting indicator, positioned above the centre of the dial.

Two separate chrome-finished metal feet, giving the clock its distinctive elevated appearance.

The combination of pastel blue, silver chrome and warm gold accents creates a harmonious decorative effect.

The minimalist dial, without large Arabic numerals, reinforces the modernist character of the design.

Viewed from the side, the softly curved metal housing is equally attractive, emphasising the compact, almost aerodynamic silhouette.

This is a mechanical timepiece that can also be appreciated as an appealing example of vintage industrial design.

Polaris 北极星 – The History of the Manufacturer

POLARIS, known in Chinese as 北极星 (Běijíxīng), literally meaning North Star or Pole Star, is one of China's historic clockmaking brands.

Its origins can be traced to 1915, when Li Dongshan established the Baoshi Clock Factory in Yantai, Shandong Province.

The company subsequently developed into one of the important centres of Chinese mechanical clock and watch manufacturing.

The POLARIS / 北极星 trademark was introduced around 1960, and the brand became associated with a wide range of mechanical clocks, alarm clocks and other precision timekeeping instruments.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Chinese clockmakers increasingly developed both traditional mechanical movements and more contemporary designs, combining established mechanical technology with the changing aesthetics of the period.

This particular example reflects that combination: a conventional spring-driven mechanical movement housed within an attractive, modern metal case.

CHEFOO CHINA – An Interesting Historical Marking

One particularly interesting detail is the marking visible on the original brass movement:

中国烟台 – CHEFOO CHINA

The Chinese characters 中国烟台 identify Yantai, China.

The English name CHEFOO is the historical Western name for Yantai, an important port city in Shandong Province.

The use of this historical geographical designation on the movement adds an interesting connection to the region's long tradition of mechanical clockmaking.

The brass movement retains this original marking, clearly documented in the detailed photographs.

Mechanical Movement – Inspected, Cleaned and Lubricated

This clock is fitted with a traditional mechanical movement, featuring brass plates, metal gears, a mechanical balance and a spring-driven mechanism.

Unlike modern quartz clocks, this timepiece operates through traditional mechanical engineering and requires manual winding.

The clock has been:

Carefully disassembled for inspection.

Internally inspected.

Cleaned.

Lubricated at the appropriate mechanical points.

Reassembled.

Tested for normal clock operation.

Tested for alarm operation.

The clock is working, and the mechanical alarm is also functioning correctly.

The photographs include detailed views of the original movement, its internal components and the CHEFOO CHINA marking.

These images provide a closer look at the mechanical construction and the work carried out on the timepiece.

As with any vintage mechanical clock, periodic winding and occasional time regulation may be required.

Condition

Very good vintage aesthetic condition, particularly considering its age.

The original sky-blue metal body retains its attractive finish and characteristic colour.

The chrome-plated trim and metal feet present well, with some normal signs of ageing and surface wear.

The original glass front is present.

The grey dial, golden hour markers and hands retain their distinctive appearance.

Minor surface marks, small scratches and age-related signs of use are present, consistent with an original vintage clock from the 1970s.

Some minor ageing is also visible on the chrome surfaces and other metal components.

These details are documented in the photographs.

The clock has been cleaned and mechanically maintained without attempting to erase its vintage character.

Please carefully examine all photographs, as they form an integral part of the description and show the actual condition of the item.
Technical Specifications

Feature

Description

Brand

POLARIS – 北极星

Origin

Yantai (Chefoo), Shandong, China

Year

1974

Style

Mid-Century Modern / Space Age-inspired

Type

Mechanical tabletop / bedside alarm clock

Movement

Traditional spring-driven mechanical movement

Movement marking

中国烟台 – CHEFOO CHINA

Case material

Painted metal

Case colour

Sky blue

Front bezel

Chrome-plated metal

Crystal

Genuine glass

Dial

Grey with raised gold-tone markers

Hands

Gold-tone hour, minute and seconds hands

Alarm

Mechanical, tested and working

Clock operation

Tested and working

Maintenance

Disassembled, inspected, cleaned and lubricated

Height

11 cm

Width

17 cm

Depth

6 cm

Weight

Approx. 490 g

Condition

Very good vintage condition with age-related signs of use.
This is an original pre-owned vintage mechanical clock, not a modern reproduction.

The item has been carefully inspected, cleaned, maintained and tested before listing.

Both the timekeeping mechanism and mechanical alarm have been checked and are functioning at the time of testing.

Please note that vintage mechanical clocks are not comparable to modern quartz timepieces. Small variations in timekeeping accuracy may occur depending on winding, position, temperature and the condition of the mechanism.

Regular manual winding and occasional adjustment may be necessary.

Although the clock has been cleaned and lubricated, this does not constitute a guarantee of future performance or long-term accuracy.

The clock retains normal signs of age and previous use. Small surface marks, slight imperfections, oxidation or wear may be present, as expected for an original vintage object.

All photographs form an essential part of the description and should be examined carefully before bidding.

The clock will be carefully packed using protective materials.
The item will be checked again before dispatch and shipped with tracking.

Please ensure that your delivery address and contact information are correct and complete. The buyer is responsible for being available to receive the parcel and for arranging collection if required by the carrier.

A Charming Piece of Mechanical History

With its beautiful pastel-blue metal case, elegant chrome detailing, original glass front and historic Chinese mechanical movement, this POLARIS is much more than a practical alarm clock.

It is a characterful 1970s decorative object combining traditional horology with the clean lines and colourful design language of its era.

An appealing addition to a collection of vintage mechanical clocks, Mid-Century Modern accessories or unusual examples of international industrial design.