Alarm clock - Swiza – 1960 Swiss Mechanical Alarm Clock –...

# Swiza – 1960 Swiss Mechanical Alarm Clock – Burgundy & Gold Mid-Century Design – Cal. 26 – 7 Jewels ## A distinctive Swiss mechanical alarm clock from the early 1960s – Sculptural circular case, burgundy dial, domed crystal and fully functioning 7-jewel movement An exceptionally attractive vintage Swiss mechanical desk alarm clock by **Swiza**, featuring an elegant circular gold-tone metal case, a striking burgundy-red dial, a pronounced transparent domed crystal and a beautifully proportioned geometric pedestal. The original Swiss mechanical movement is marked **"11 60"**, a date code consistent with November 1960 according to known Swiza movement dating conventions. This provides a particularly interesting indication of the clock's manufacturing period, placing the movement at the beginning of the 1960s, during an important era of European Mid-Century Modern design. Combining traditional Swiss mechanical engineering with refined decorative aesthetics, this compact clock is an appealing piece for collectors of vintage timepieces, Swiss horology and twentieth-century design. ## Design – A sophisticated combination of geometry, colour and depth The most immediately striking feature of this Swiza clock is its unusual three-dimensional architectural design. The circular case is finished in warm gold tones, contrasting beautifully with the deep burgundy-red central dial. The dial features delicate radial lines extending from the centre towards small circular hour markers, producing a sophisticated geometric pattern reminiscent of the graphic design language of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Surrounding the red central section is a broad metallic golden chapter ring, decorated with finely engraved hour divisions. Particularly distinctive are the groups of three parallel lines marking the principal positions, adding rhythm and visual interest to the composition. Three slender gold-coloured hands complete the harmonious design. ### Distinctive domed crystal One of the clock's most attractive architectural features is its strongly convex transparent crystal. The pronounced dome extends beyond the surrounding metal bezel, creating an almost futuristic three-dimensional effect. Its curvature introduces attractive reflections and optical depth, highlighting the contrast between the burgundy centre and the surrounding golden chapter ring. Depending on the angle of observation and ambient lighting, the clock displays different reflections and visual effects. The substantial cylindrical metal housing is supported by a small geometric pedestal, allowing the clock to stand securely and elegantly on a desk, shelf or bedside table. Viewed from the side, the projecting dome, circular housing and angular base create a particularly attractive sculptural silhouette. The design reflects the transition from Art Deco-inspired geometric ornamentation towards the clean, expressive forms of European Mid-Century Modern styling. ## Original Swiss mechanical movement – Swiza Calibre 26 The clock houses a traditional Swiss mechanical movement bearing the following original engravings: **SWIZA PATENTED SWISS MADE CAL. 26 7 JEWELS** The movement is also marked: **11 60** This marking is consistent with **November 1960**, following a month-and-year dating convention reported for Swiza mechanical movements. Although the exact dating convention has not been independently confirmed through an original manufacturer's technical document, this marking provides a valuable historical indication of the movement's production period. The seven jewels are bearing elements employed at selected points within the movement to reduce friction and mechanical wear. The movement operates entirely through traditional manual winding, without batteries or an electrical power supply. The clock is also equipped with a mechanical alarm mechanism, operated through the controls located on the rear of the case. Detailed photographs of the internal movement are included, showing the mechanical construction, original manufacturer's engravings and calibre identification. ## Fully functional – Clock and alarm tested **Both the mechanical timekeeping movement and the alarm mechanism have been tested and are fully operational.** - Mechanical clock movement working. - Keeps time during testing. - Mechanical alarm tested and functioning correctly. - Manual winding operational. - Approximately 24-hour power reserve. - Traditional Swiss 7-jewel mechanical construction. - No batteries or electricity required. The clock has been tested over its normal winding cycle, with an observed running reserve of approximately one day. It should therefore be wound regularly, approximately once every 24 hours, to maintain continuous operation. As with all vintage mechanical timepieces, small variations in timekeeping accuracy and power reserve are normal and may depend on winding, position, temperature and the mechanical condition of the movement. The functioning alarm provides an additional practical feature while preserving the charm of traditional mechanical clockmaking. ## Swiza – Swiss watchmaking heritage Swiza is a historic Swiss clockmaking brand with origins dating back to 1904. During the twentieth century, the company became particularly well known for its decorative mechanical clocks, travel clocks and alarm clocks. Its production combined traditional Swiss watchmaking techniques with a wide variety of decorative and innovative case designs. Swiza clocks were conceived not only as practical instruments for measuring time but also as attractive objects for desks, bedside tables and domestic interiors. This particular example is representative of the company's interest in refined decorative forms. Its burgundy-red dial, gold-tone cylindrical body, geometric pedestal and pronounced domed crystal create a distinctive appearance strongly associated with the aesthetics of the early 1960s. The presence of a likely November 1960 movement date marking gives the clock additional historical interest. ## Technical specifications **Manufacturer:** Swiza **Country of origin:** Switzerland **Period:** Early 1960s **Movement date marking:** 11 60 – consistent with November 1960 **Type:** Mechanical desk / table alarm clock **Movement:** Traditional mechanical, manually wound **Calibre:** Swiza 26 **Jewels:** 7 **Alarm:** Mechanical, tested and working **Timekeeping:** Tested and working **Power reserve:** Approximately 24 hours **Dial:** Deep burgundy-red with fine radial geometric decoration **Hour markers:** Circular markers and engraved golden chapter ring **Hands:** Three gold-coloured hands **Case:** Gold-tone metal **Crystal:** Transparent, strongly domed **Base:** Small geometric pedestal **Design style:** Mid-Century Modern with Art Deco influences ### Dimensions - **Width:** 6 cm - **Height:** 8 cm - **Depth:** 5 cm ## Original vintage condition The clock is preserved in authentic vintage condition, displaying visible signs of age and use consistent with its approximately 65-year history. The gold-tone metal case and pedestal show natural patina, oxidation spots, surface marks and areas of finish wear. These characteristics are clearly visible in the photographs and contribute to the authentic appearance of this vintage object. The transparent domed crystal displays surface scratches and age-related marks. The burgundy-red dial retains its distinctive colour, with its delicate radial pattern, hour markers and Swiza branding still visible. The gold-coloured hands remain attractive and visually complement the overall design. The clock has not been presented as cosmetically restored or in new-old-stock condition. **Most importantly, both the mechanical clock movement and the alarm are in working condition.** The original mechanical movement and its markings are documented in the accompanying photographs. Please carefully examine all photographs, which form an integral part of the description and provide the most accurate representation of the item's cosmetic condition. ## A distinctive Mid-Century Swiss collector's clock This Swiza clock combines several particularly appealing characteristics: - Attractive early-1960s Swiss mechanical construction. - A movement bearing the likely November 1960 date code. - Original Swiza Calibre 26 with seven jewels. - Fully operational mechanical alarm. - Working manual-winding timekeeping movement. - Striking burgundy-red and gold colour combination. - Distinctive geometric dial decoration. - Pronounced transparent domed crystal. - Compact sculptural case with architectural pedestal. - Authentic vintage patina and original character. Its compact proportions and unusual appearance make it an attractive decorative timepiece for collectors of Swiss mechanical clocks, Mid-Century Modern objects, vintage desk accessories and twentieth-century European design. This is an authentic vintage mechanical timepiece, not a modern reproduction. The clock and mechanical alarm have been tested before listing and are working as described. Its approximate 24-hour running reserve reflects the seller's observations during testing and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed factory specification. As with any vintage mechanical clock, future adjustments, maintenance, lubrication or professional servicing may be required. No guarantee of modern quartz-level timekeeping precision or indefinite maintenance-free operation is implied. The item is offered in the original vintage condition shown in the photographs, including existing patina, oxidation, cosmetic wear and surface imperfections. The photographs of the disassembled clock and movement are provided for documentary purposes to illustrate its internal construction, manufacturer's engravings and mechanical characteristics. The clock is sold as one complete assembled item. Please examine the photographs carefully before bidding. Colours, metallic finishes and reflections may appear slightly different depending on ambient lighting, photography and individual screen settings. The item will be carefully packed using protective materials, appropriate cushioning and secure packaging, with particular attention to protecting the domed crystal and mechanical movement during transportation. **An elegant and distinctive Swiss mechanical alarm clock, combining the charm of traditional 7-jewel clockmaking with the sculptural beauty and rich colours of early-1960s Mid-Century design.**

Estimate:£126.92

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