Zenith
Zenith is one of the oldest watch manufacturers, est.1865 and one of only a handful which has always produced its own 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 1940’s and throughout the 1950s, Zenith held the lead in producing the most commercially successful and technically advanced, chronograph wristwatches. Later, Zenith became the first in 1969, to develop a high-frequency automatic integrated column-wheel chronograph powered by the legendary El Primero movement beating at 36,000 vibrations per hour. This obsession with precision, as well as this constant quest for technical innovation, has been duly rewarded; the Manufacture has been awarded 2,333 chronometry prizes as well as eight medals, making it the most titled brand in the field of precision. The company has also provided a huge number of movements to many other manufacturers for their more technically advanced watches, including even Rolex for their Daytona Chronograph!
Description
The Zenith Classic gentleman’s dress watch you see here really is just like a ‘new old stock’ watch and is totally immaculate in a beautiful 18ct pink gold case and with a superb Zenith Cal.88.8 movement in sparkling clean condition. At 26mm square, this watch is equally suited as a ladies watch today.
The Dial
The classic ivory-white dial has simple applied gilt ‘baton’ hour indices and matching original ‘Index’ hands. This watch has been beautifully restored by our dial restorers, who are considered to be the best in the UK. The dial carries the Zenith signature star and is simply signed ‘Zenith’ with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.
The Movement
The original Zenith Calibre 88.8, 15 Jewel movement is as clean as they come. It is also beautifully well finished and rhodium plated.
The movement has just been thoroughly overhauled and serviced by our watchmaker. This means fully dismantling the watch and movement, ultrasonic cleaning of all parts, inspection of the critical surfaces under high magnification and replacement as required with genuine new original parts, then careful reassembly and oiling, using all the correct lubricants to manufacturer’s specification before final testing and calibration.
This watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +3 seconds per day! Please note, this timing is outstanding for any watch of this age. The power reserve is 40 hours when fully wound. We are therefore more than happy to offer this watch with 12 months warranty.*
The watch movement is signed ‘Zenith’ and ‘Swiss Made’ with the Calibre number 88.8 and the movement serial number 5335376 which dates this watch to 1962.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Watch Case
The Zenith swiss made case is of a high quality two-piece construction, in 18ct solid pink gold. It is stylish, sturdy and highly elegant and measures 26mm square, including the Zenith signed crown. This may seem small until one takes into account the measurement across the diagonal which is 37mm. However, this is not a large watch, particularly by modern standards, so this may be equally appropriate for a lady today. The press fit case- back is of full thickness and has never been engraved. It is tight fitting and presses back with a very reassuring ‘click’. The case has been cleaned and carefully inspected and then lightly hand-polished by our case-maker and shows every sign it has been well cared for and lightly used with no scratches, dings or other marks visible to the naked eye. The case is signed ‘Zenith’, ‘Swiss Made’ and carries the case serial number 900115, along with Swiss 18ct hallmarks.
The Strap and Buckle
The strap fitted is a new high quality green lizard strap with 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 burgundy and black straps in stock, in plain padded leather, alligator, crocodile or lizard skin.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to circa 1962.
Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 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”.
The watch also comes complete with the high quality presentation box as shown in the photographs.
In Conclusion
This is a rare vintage Zenith gentlemans dress watch, which is ready to wear, very practical for everyday use and if treated with care, this watch will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece. Zenith has always benefitted from a first class reputation for the superb quality of their watch movements and just as in the case of Longines, which have been undervalued in the past, this is beginning to show in the way Zenith watches are increasing in value.
A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring these 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 inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well-known stores in West London which are very 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 wish to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.
Please note we welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.
We will be happy to Service, Repair or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
If you have any questions, please call our landline 020 7727 7095 or mobile 07515 949 250. If calling from overseas our landline number is +44 207 727 7095 or mobile +44 7515 949 250.
We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. If you would like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting, we will also be very happy to hear from you. We await your call!
Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
