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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Desk clock

Zenith Chronograph Desk Clock

Partially verified

This Zenith desk clock, designated as Model 58, was manufactured circa 1930 for the Swiss Postal Service. The object features a four-body stainless steel construction with a polished circular base that incorporates a pivoted housing for the clock head, allowing for adjustability. The clock case measures 71 mm in diameter, while the overall dimensions are 12 x 10.7 cm. The watch movement, number 5036800, is a rhodium-plated caliber 4219 with 18 lignes, 17 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a Breguet balance spring. The dial design is complex, displaying black Arabic numerals, an outer minutes and fifths-of-a-second track, outermost red five-second intervals, and inner red 24-hour numerals. It is equipped with two subsidiary dials for running seconds and a 30-minute chronograph register, operated by buttons positioned at 11 and 1 o'clock.

Zenith Model 58 chronograph desk clock with pivot-adjustable housing.
Zenith Model 58 chronograph desk clock with pivot-adjustable housing. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Clock · Desk clock
Maker / attribution
Zenith
Reference
Model 58
Catalogue / lot identifier
279
Source-reported date
circa 1930
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
5036800

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Construction

The clock is built within a four-body, polished stainless steel frame. The assembly consists of a circular stand base attached to a pivoted housing, which holds the timepiece and can be adjusted as required. This structure is secured to the stand by three screws, with the movement and dial encased behind a rounded bezel on a flat band. Records indicate this specific model was produced for the Swiss Postal Service Directorate for use in office environments.

The dial surface is white and printed with a variety of timekeeping markers. Arabic numerals denote the primary hours, accompanied by outer graduation for minutes and fifths of a second. Additionally, it features red five-second markers at the periphery and a red inner 24-hour scale. Two subsidiary dials facilitate the chronograph functions, providing a 30-minute register and continuous seconds.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four-body, polished, circular stand base with pivoted housing for the clock with rounded bezels and flat band”
  • “White with Arabic numerals, outer minutes and fifths of a second divisions, outermost red five-second numerals, inner red 24-hour numerals, subsidiary dials fort he seconds and 30-minute register.”

Movement and Escapement

The internal mechanism is a Zenith Caliber 4219, measuring 18 lignes. It is finished with rhodium plating and features fausses cotes decoration. The caliber is constructed with 17 jewels and incorporates a straight-line lever escapement.

Technical features include a monometallic balance paired with a self-compensating Breguet balance spring. It is equipped with a shock absorber and an index regulator for timing adjustments. The movement is signed and corresponds numerically to the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 4219, 18''', rhodium plated, fausses cotes decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, shock absorber, index regulator.”
  • “movement signed and numbered, case numbered.”

Provenance and Documentation

This desk clock configuration is documented in external literature, specifically identified in the 2009 publication regarding Zenith's history.

The auction house assesses the overall condition through a specific grading system.

Evidence for this section
  • “This model of table or desk clock with chronograph was apparently supplied for use by the Swiss Postal Service Directorate and was a popular office clock.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • Did the Swiss Postal Service assign specific inventory numbers to these desk clocks beyond the Zenith serial?
  • Are there recorded variations of the Model 58 finish or stand design in archival Zenith catalogs?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Zenith Chronograph Desk Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerZenith“Zenith, Le Locle, Suisse”
Datecirca 1930“circa 1930”
Case MaterialStainless steel“stainless steel adjustable desk clock”
Movement CaliberCal. 4219“Cal. 4219”
Serial Number5036800“movement and case No. 5036800”
Dimensions12 x 10.7 cm“DIM. 12 x 10.7 cm.”
ModelModel 58“Model 58”

Visible details

  • Pivoted housing allows the angle of the clock face to be adjusted
  • Chronograph pushers are integrated into the top of the case band at 11 and 1 o'clock
  • Dial features both standard 12-hour black numerals and red 24-hour markers
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position

Research qualifications

  • The exact extent of original finish remains unverified by the auction report
  • Condition of the movement is rated with a recommendation for an overhaul

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ZENITH STEEL CHRONOGRAPH DESK CLOCK FOR THE SWISS POSTAL SERVICE Zenith, Le Locle, Suisse, movement and case No. 5036800, Model 58. Made for the Swiss Postal Service, circa 1930. Very fine and rare, stainless steel adjustable desk clock with chronograph, register and 24-hour dial.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 269d09270a

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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