Zhongshan 钟山 Nanjing Watch Factory SN-2 watches
A number of VCM collectors in China specialize in collecting Zhongshan 钟山 SN-2 movement watches from Nanjing Watch Factory 南京手表厂.
There were numerous dial variants released roughly from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. The pressed dials like the Six Pandas, Double Phoenix and Four Butterflies are most sought after, but there are other attractive variants, too.
Named after Zijinshan or Zijin Mountain, also known as (in English) Purple-Gold Mountain, which is near Nanjing, the Zhongshans were produced as a lower cost "every man's" watch.
And non-pressed dials...
And a collection of dials I received as a gift while in Shanghai.
The SN-2 movement provided people who could not afford the higher priced higher-jeweled Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin watches (for examples) with a 9 jewel workhorse that soon became well-known for dependability, good accuracy and a strong power reserve.
There are numerous case back variations as well. Here's four...
I'll end the post with a close-up of the six pandas...
Curator: Alberta Museum of Chinese Horology in Peace River; Member: China Horologe Association; Chief Expert: China Watch Overseas Working Committee (CWOWC); Sino-Canadian Horological Cultural Affairs...
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Very cool. This is definitely something that you don't see every day. Lot's of interesting dial textures.
as a watch enthusiast living in China this is particularly interesting. Thanks for sharing
Great post-as usual.
Ron, the dials in your collection always have me stopping to stare at them.
Wow, very cool! Thank you for sharing. Those pressed dials are really neat, makes me wonder why we don’t see other brands doing it…
China is often overlooked as a producer of original and beautiful watches, amazing pieces.
Thanks for sharing! Now, I want one in my collection!