Haddon Golden Visionette Model 80
and
Golden Secretary Model 80-S

by Roger Russell

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The Model No. 80-S and 80S have been found in several different versions including the Special Model 80S, Golden Secretary 80-S and an 80S with a golf figure on the glass. Visionettes have been found with no markings on the glass when there should be markings. Apparently the original glass had been broken and was replaced with a circular piece of plain glass or in some cases clear or colored plastic. A hole has been drilled in the glass or plastic and the hands were transferred. Some have had new or different markings painted on the glass or plastic.

Golden Visionette Model 80

This is a smaller version of the Golden Vision. The face is angled back about 10 degrees in most versions of this model. However, one has been found that is vertical. The numbers 3, 6, 9, 12, and the small rectangles at the other hours are on the back of the glass. They are deep etched into the glass and filled with gold paint. The synchronous motor is located in the base. The glass remains stationary and the motor drives a large gear in the outer ring of the clock. A short wire from the minute hand presses against serrations in the large outer gear. This drives the minute hand, which then drives the hour hand through gears at the center of the dial.

The clock face is 6-1/4" in diameter at the outside. Height is 7-1/2". The base is 5-1/4" wide and 4-1/4" deep. The clock is UL approved. This clock does not have a light. The motor output gear has 12 teeth and turns at 1 rpm. Weight is 790 grams or 1.75 lbs.

In 1956-57 Montgomery Wards sold this clock. The ad in their catalog read as follows: "Golden Visionette" "See Thru" crystal dial--hands have no visible source of power. Mysterious operation makes fascinating conversation piece. Novelty and accuracy will make it a treasured timepiece. Gold-colored metal base, frame, hands and numerals. Classic simplicity of design appropriate anywhere--in the office as well as the home. Electric movement. 7-1/2 X 6-1/4 inches. 45 A 7255L--Ship. wt. 2 Lbs.........$17.95"

The clock pictured at the left is described in a 1956 Keystone catalog as follows: "Enhanced by Angle Vision, base and rim are pressure cast of heavy 24k gold plated metal. 3rd dimensional Arabic numerals are deep etched and filled with gold on the remarkable "See-Thru" mystery crystal dial. Petite size of clock makes it appropriate for every appointment--whether desk, bedroom, mantel or table setting. Absolutely accurate, precision electric self-starting motor and movement. Dimensions: 7-1/2" high, 6-1/4" wide, 4-1/4" deep. Shipping weight 3 lbs. Packaged in a handsome gift box.

C6747 Keystone 2034....Retail $16.95"

 

Another clock with the same base and plain dial ring was found but came with a Sun Gold’n Hour base plate and the dial glass had no numbers on it.

Golden Secretary Model 80-S

This is a most unusual clock. It's identical to the Golden Visionette Model 80 but has added features. There are two black plastic penholders on either side. They swivel side to side and up and down. They are 2" long and are 3/8" diameter inside at the end. The holders are attached to the base with a screw from the inside. The pens, which were originally supplied with it, are missing.

In addition, there is a thermometer attached to the back of the glass at the center. It's 1-3/16" in diameter and has a white plastic pointer 1" long. The temperature is indicated by white numerals in 10-degree increments from 50 to 110. Smaller white lines in between mark every two degrees. These appear to be silk-screened and are on the front of the glass. It still works very well today.

The clock is dated Oct 15, 1957 on the inside of the base. The bottom plate is made 0.025" steel. It's painted gold with black lettering. Here's a portion of the plate.