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Jan 10, 2011,05:08 AM
 

Hi Suitbert, I remember reading and learning some other very good info from you here many many yrs ago. Yes, I knew these clocks were for cars, and were originally built for and used in trams that plied within Zutich! If I'm not mistaken, the one you have and described is the particular type made exclusively for Zurich trams. I've seen one of these mounted in a chronometer style wooden case that looked original to the clock over the years, and read that Zenith made a slightly larger size, otherwise similar clock for ships, which came with slightly different bezel as well. I have one that I think is that kind, as pictured. Yes, the power reserve is indeed a red dot, that pops up into the window under 12 O'clock when there's about 24hrs in store. What's stood out and amazed me is the quality and 'watch standard' finish given to these large movements, even under the dial which isn't seen. Was unsure of the manufacturing date for these, and thought them to vaguely be from the 1950's. Rishad




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 By: Timertom : January 9th, 2011-10:25
Just added this Zenith made 8 day clock to my small collection. Its about 3 and a 1/2 inches in dia, winds and sets from the bezel with a red-dot power indicator. I wonder if anyone could help me and shed some light with information on approximately when ...  

These weren't wall or....

 
 By: SuitbertW : January 10th, 2011-00:08
Hi Rishad, originally those 8 day PR clocks weren't born as desk or wall clocks - as found in many cases today. Originally they were used as car/truck/tram.......etc dash board clocks (for any larger vehicle) - The well known "Saurer" brand trucks (well k... 

Highly interesting, thanks! ...

 
 By: Marcus Hanke : January 10th, 2011-04:31
... I had assumed that these clocks had never been meant to be mounted on a piece of wood. Today, we see a similar issue with Russian aircraft clocks that are more numerous sitting in dedicated stands on working desks than flying in the air ... I would be... 

Excellent

 
 By: Timertom : January 10th, 2011-05:08
Hi Suitbert, I remember reading and learning some other very good info from you here many many yrs ago. Yes, I knew these clocks were for cars, and were originally built for and used in trams that plied within Zutich! If I'm not mistaken, the one you have...  

8 days clocks

 
 By: DeGeus : January 10th, 2011-06:08
Funny enough, I was told at the Omega museum about their dash-clocks (cal.59-8D) being standard-installed in Saurer trucks/ omnibusses as well. Richon's book 'Journey thr. Time' even shows pictures. Over the years many clock pictures got stored on the pc,...  

Definition: When does a watch become a clock?

 
 By: MTF : January 10th, 2011-09:26
Suitbert, As these dashboard 'clocks' were small and especially small on small aircraft panels, it triggered me to ask. When does a large watch become a small clock? I've seen large pocket watches that can be converted to small bedside table 'clocks' by f... 

You're definetely....

 
 By: SuitbertW : January 10th, 2011-14:08
...asking the wrong man here. As you know my english is very basic only, if at all. I've always thought a watch would be defined by beeing somehow connected to the human body. I.e. spending the majority of life with his master. A clock beeing a more self-... 

It was not the language

 
 By: MTF : January 10th, 2011-18:31
Suitbert, Apart from the fact that your English is better than my German language I asked you because of your vast historical knowledge of old watch/clockmaker technical facts. I thought maybe 'Three Wise Men' in horology had defined 'clock' and 'watch' l... 

very cool! thanks for sharing

 
 By: playtime : January 14th, 2011-13:38