Zenith Classic 18ct Pink Gold Two-Tone Dial 1954

Description

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. The company has supplied movements to many other manufacturers for fitting into their watches including Rolex for their Daytona Chronograph!

Notable features of this watch are its excellent size at 36mm, a rare 18ct pink gold case and the amazing and wonderful condition its movement which has to be seen to be believed!

The lens has been replaced by a new original part. This is the original dial restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers, which are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Movement

The 18,000 bph Cal.126 hand-wound movement was made in a total of 110,000 pieces between 1950-1955 and was highly successful. This example, which is plated in beryllium-bronze is, as can be seen, in simply amazing condition. The movement has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our watchmaker. This means fully dismantling the watch and movement, ultrasonic cleaning of all the parts, inspection to the critical surfaces under high magnification and replacement as required with genuine new originals parts, then careful reassembly and oiling, using all the correct lubricants to manufacturer’s specification before final testing and calibration. This is watch is therefore now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at -1 second per day! Please note, this timing has been confirmed on our electronic timegrapher and  it is truly outstanding for any watch of this age. The watch movement is signed Zenith, Swiss Made and carries the Calibre number 126-6. and the Serial No. 4,471,731 dating the watch to 1954.

The Watch Case

The 18ct Pink Gold watch case measures 36mm, excluding the original Zenith signed crown. Watch cases made in pink gold from the 1950s are rare, as not many were made and this one is immaculate with no scratches, dings or other damage visible to the naked eye. The case has been cleaned, carefully inspected and very gently hand polished, as this was all that was required to bring it back to its current tip-top condition. The inside of the case-back is signed by GAB, case makers for Zenith, and carries 18ct markings.

As ever, 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 Burgundy Lizard strap with a plain 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 1954.

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 hardwood presentation box as shown in the photographs.