Vintage Diamond Brand Shanghai Mechanical Twin Bell Alarm Clock
Mechanical Alarm Clock · N/A (Silver-tone metallic plating)
Purity: Non-gold / Base Metal (Chrome-plated steel or nickel alloy)
Type
Mechanical Alarm Clock
Purity
Non-gold / Base Metal (Chrome-plated steel or nickel alloy)
Gold Type
N/A (Silver-tone metallic plating)
Weight
350g to 450g
Description
A classic mass-produced Chinese mechanical alarm clock featuring a twin-bell ringer system. This utilitarian timekeeper from the Shanghai Diamond Watch Factory represents a period of industrial growth in China where mechanical reliability was prioritized over luxury materials.
Key Features
Mechanical twin-bell alarm, Diamond Brand logo, 'Shanghai China' dial marking, and secondary alarm hand
Color & Finish
Silver-tone chrome finish with significant pitting, oxidation, and surface wear; white dial face with black Arabic numerals
Hallmarks & Stamps
Diamond logo at 12 o'clock; 'SHANGHAI CHINA' and Chinese characters ('Zhongguo Shanghai') at 6 o'clock
Dimensions Estimate
Height: 12-15 cm; Diameter: 9-11 cm
Gemstones & Inlays
None (The diamond icon is a brand logo, not a gemstone)
Clasp & Closure
N/A (Manual winding keys and knobs on reverse)
Chain & Links
N/A (Mechanical internal gear-train construction)
Craftsmanship Details
Stamped sheet metal construction; mass-produced mechanical movement; hand-painted or silk-screened dial graphics
Authentication Indicators
The item is a base-metal consumer product. It does not contain gold. The 'Diamond' branding refers to the manufacturer, not material composition.
Origin & Maker
Shanghai, China; Diamond Brand (Zuan Shi)
Era & Period
Mid-to-late 20th Century (likely 1970s-1980s)
Age Estimate
Circa 1975-1985 based on logo style and printing
Cultural Significance
Represented a standard household necessity in post-revolutionary China; Diamond Brand clocks were often part of 'must-have' wedding gifts alongside bicycles and sewing machines.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair; significant corrosion and pitting on the chrome housing, dirt/staining on the dial interior, and visible exterior grime
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD (Minimal value due to condition and lack of precious metal content)
Care & Maintenance
Keep in a dry environment to prevent further rust; do not over-wind; internal movement may require professional horological oiling if functional use is desired.
Similar Items
Other Chinese brands like Hero or Seagull; Western counterparts like Westclox Big Ben or Baby Ben models
Interesting Facts
The Diamond Brand was one of China's most famous watch and clock manufacturers, winning the 'National Silver Medal' for quality multiple times during the planned economy era.