Description
Zenith is one of the oldest watch companies est.1865 and one of only a handful which still produces its own mechanical movements. The company has an almost unparalleled record of technical achievements and notably, in 1929, Zenith won world renown at Kew Observatory (England), when a Zenith wristwatch won first prize for an accuracy of better than 0.6 seconds per day.
During the late 1940s and throughout the ’50s, Zenith held the lead in producing the most commercially successful and the most technically advanced, chronograph wristwatches. The technical expertise and craftsmanship which went into these watches was immense, making them very expensive watches at the time.
In 1969, Zenith introduced the world’s first automatic chronograph. Not only this, but it was able to measure short time intervals at athletics events, accurate to within a tenth of a second which was an unsurpassed world record even to this day! Zenith has also been recognised with more than 1500 awards and over 50 individual movement designs to its name, making it the Swiss brand with the most awards for precision.
Zenith is also known for providing chronograph movements to some of the world’s most famous Swiss brands including Rolex and Patek Philippe.
Here we have a superb, fully restored and guaranteed example of a circa 1957, Gentleman’s 17 Jewel, Calibre 156D, Zenith Chronograph in simply stunning condition. The watch has a 37.5mm, 18ct solid pink gold case and was all made in-house by Zenith in Le Locle, an area often known as ‘the cradle of Swiss watchmaking’.
The Dial
Just delightful! An ivory white, twin register chronograph dial with pink gilt baton hour indices, complemented by the original ‘Dauphine’ hands, all in perfect condition.
The outer scale is known as a Tachymeter scale and can be used in conjunction with the chronograph function to measure speed, or distance travelled.
We feel the dial must at some point have been previously restored, simply because it looks to be in too good condition to be original and unrestored. If so, this was carried out some time ago and to a very high standard. It remains in remarkably good condition, in keeping with the watch. There are just the smallest signs of spotting and scratches, which are hardly visible to the naked eye. We usually restore the dials of all the watches you see here due to the unsightly damage of ageing, mostly caused by sunlight and humidity. However, we feel here, the dial is better left alone, to keep some of its ageing and charm.
Please note, the hands are unrestored and have been kept in their original condition to retain their originality and charm. Although the hands show some pitting in the photographs, in truth, this is very difficult to notice on the wrist, unless one holds the watch very close to the eye and has 20:20 vision.
Please keep in mind, we provide some of the highest definition, largest images on the Internet, which can sometimes be a little unkind to a vintage watch.
The Case
This watch has evidently been very well cared for and used sparingly as the beautiful 18ct solid pink gold case with swept-back lugs is in near perfect condition. Pink gold watches were much rarer during this period, making this watch more desirable and and sought after than the yellow gold equivalent. At 37.5mm in diameter, not including the Zenith crown, this is a very large-sized wristwatch for this period.
Upon opening the case-back, all is perfect and as it should be. The case-back is signed ‘Zenith’ and ‘Swiss Made’ with Swiss 18ct hallmarks and 18K and 0.750. Externally, the case-back carries the case serial number 766907. The case has been professionally cleaned and lightly polished and is in superb condition, although the watch has obviously been very well cared for, as there are no dings, scratches or marks visible to the naked eye. The case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved and also shows no signs of wear visible to the naked eye.
As ever our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Movement
This is the famous high grade Zenith 17 Jewel, Cal.156 chronograph movement which helped to establish Zeniths name as the world’s leading manufacturer in wristwatch chronographs. This particular watch movement is in stunning, sparkling ‘as new’ condition.
The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by our watchmaker. This involves complete dismantling of the movement to each of its component parts, ultrasonic cleaning, microscope inspection and replacement of parts as required, only with new Zenith originals, then careful assembly and oiling ready for final testing and careful calibration.
The watch is now running perfectly, having been calibrated and timed at +6 seconds per day which is truly outstanding for any watch of this age. The watch has a runtime of 44 hours from its fully wound state which shows the movement is particularly strong and running well within expected parameters. It is now ready for many more decades of faithful service and we are therefore more than happy to offer this watch with our 12 months’ warranty* and to assist with servicing again in the future.
With care and with regular servicing, say every 3 to 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run quite happily for another lifetime! Our watchmaker commented that he found the movement to be especially clean and in excellent condition.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Strap & Buckle
A new high quality Brown Campagnolo Italian Calf Leather strap is fitted, with a pink gold plated buckle. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of 18mm straps if you wish.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the numbers and markings on the watch are all correct. These and the style of the watch and dial indicate the date of the watch to be c1957.
Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt and 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.
As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no quibble sale or return policy.
The watch will be supplied with the original Zenith presentation box, as shown.
In Conclusion
This really is a magnificent vintage chronograph watch from Zenith and one of the leaders in its class. Very large for the period and wonderful to find in 18ct pink gold. We often hear how fantastic Zenith movements are, and considering their history, we have never understood why they are not better known, or indeed famous! Technically they equal or better anything from any of the top Swiss watch houses. Whatever the reason, this is changing, but right now they represent amazingly good value for money.
A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.
We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.
If you have any questions please call 0207 727 7095. If calling from overseas: +44 207 727 7095.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.
We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
