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 1940s 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 1950s saw Zenith produce some of the greatest watch movements available from any manufacturer. Zenith watch movements were incredibly advanced. The watch we have here is an excellent example, having a superb Swiss made 18ct case and the Calibre 133.8 bumper automatic movement. This watch also has a previously restored silver/off-white dial which as can be seen, is simply outstanding.
The Dial
The classic and beautifully styled silver/off-white dial has wonderful unrestored ‘baton’ hour indices, matched with original, unrestored gilt 1950s ‘index’ hands. This is an impressive dial due to the contrast between the silver/off-white of the dial and the yellow gold of the case and dial furnishings.
The dial carries the Zenith signature star and is signed ‘Zenith’ and ‘Automatic’ with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom..
This is the original dial, which has been previously restored to the highest standard and as can be seen, remains in wonderful condition.
The Movement
The original Zenith Calibre 133.8, 20 Jewel bumper automatic movement is as clean as they come. It is also nicely finished with the Geneva wave used on higher quality movements.
A bumper self-winding movement is wound by means of an oscillating rotor that travels through a 180-degree arc, being arrested by buffer springs that then bounce the rotor back in its original direction. The bounce can just be felt if one rotates the watch slowly from side to side, but in normal use, one is seldom conscious of its ‘pulse’. Indeed it is quite an endearing character of the vintage watch. These watch movements are robust, accurate and reliable making this watch perfectly suitable for both evening wear and everyday use.
This is the original movement, which as can be seen is in sparkling condition having just been fully overhauled and serviced by our Master Watchmaker. This involves complete disassembly of the entire watch movement, close inspection of all critical parts under high magnification and then replacement where necessary, using only original manufacturer parts. Then, lubrication using individually specified lubricants for differing parts of the movement and careful re-assembly before calibration and final testing.
The watch winds and sets smoothly and is currently keeping accurate time, consistently to within +4 seconds per day! This is outstanding for any vintage watch of this age and has been tested on our electronic timegrapher. We therefore we have no hesitation in offering this watch with our 12 months warranty*.
The watch movement is signed ‘Zenith’, ‘Swiss Made’ and ‘20 Jewels’ and also carries the Calibre number 133.8 and the movement serial number 4996134 which dates this watch to 1955.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Watch Case
The 18ct yelllow gold, Zenith Swiss-made watch case measures a large 33mm, excluding the Zenith signed crown. The watch case has been professionally cleaned before being carefully inspected and very gently hand-polished, which was all that was required to bring it back to its current tip-top condition. The case has no scratches, dings or other marks visible to the naked eye.
As can be seen, the inside of the case-back is signed ‘Zenith’ and ‘Swiss Made’ with Swiss hallmarks and also carries the serial number 722920, as can be seen in the accompanying photographs.
Please note – our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap and Buckle
The strap fitted is a new high quality brown alligator strap and plain gold-plated buckle. 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 1955.
Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. 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 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.
The watch also comes complete with a high quality hardwood presentation box, as shown in the photographs.
In Conclusion
This is a very impressive and very rare vintage Zenith bumper automatic wristwatch, which is ready to wear and very practical for everyday use. 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 and 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 bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. 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 check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and unfortunately out of our control.
We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges, however attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.
For those that happen to visit the UK on occasion we are of course more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and your watch directly to you there.
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 your watch, Repair your watch 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 or if calling from overseas our landline number is +44 207 727 7095 or mobile +44 7515 949 250.
We are here, ready, available and awaiting your call! 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 vintage watches, we will also be happy to hear from you.
Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches!
Thank you.
