This ZENITH Tachymeter Chronograph is the perfect gentleman’s chronometer for good timekeeping. The original enamel dial is in exceptional condition and the impressive looking gilt movement is visible through the display caseback, gratifying any viewer.
Key Features
Native Zenith calibre chronograph movement with 18 jewels, housed in a new, custom-made 48 mm solid stainless steel case. Excellent enamel dial with multi-coloured black, red, and blue tachymeter scale, with original blue and purple steel hands. According to the Zenith serial number catalogue, the serial number corresponds to a 1919 year of production.
About the Brand
The ‘Fabrique des Billodes’ was founded in 1865 in Le Locle by Georges Favre-Jacot. The company first produced precision pocket watches signed with his name. However, not long after 1900 the company expanded their product line and underwent a name change. The new company name, Zenith, refers to the highest point of the universe: the zenith.
Zenith truly rose to popularity due to its creation of The El Primero calibre in 1969, which at the time was the first high frequency automatic chronograph movement. However, the current owners of the brand decided to abandon the idea of a mechanical chronograph and focus on Quartz timepieces in 1975. Amazingly, Charles Vermot, one of the original watchmakers who worked on the movement, gathered all the necessary technical plans and tools for the brilliant calibre, and hiding them in a walled-off attic at the Zenith manufacture to protect the El Primero for future generations.
Zenith watches have been owned by many notable figures, including none other than Ghandi. His silver pocket watch, gifted to him by his friend Jawaharlal_Nehru, India’s Prime Minister, became one of his rare few material possessions and accompanied his daily life, notably signalling his prayer due to its alarm function.
Zenith was purchased by LVMH in November 1999, becoming one of several brands in its watch and jewellery division that included TAG Heuer and Hublot. They still create stunning, high-quality timepieces to this day.
Servicing and Guarantee
This timepiece has been serviced with full disassembly in our Bristol workshop. There is a 12-month guarantee, subject to the usage and care guidelines. The watch comes with a new, 22 mm genuine black leather strap.
Overview
Case and Strap
- New, custom-made ‘classique’ style case.
- Solid stainless steel 316L.
- Satin-brushed case with mirror polished bezel.
- Mineral crystal.
- Mineral crystal display caseback.
- Vintage style stainless steel crown with hidden button for setting hands.
- Thick, classic style genuine natural leather strap with folding clasp.
Dimensions:
- Diameter w/o crown 48 mm.
- Strap width 22 mm.
Dial and Hands
- Original white enamel dial with blue and red numeral accents.
- Black, Arabic numerals.
- Multi-coloured tachymeter scale.
- “Zenith” signature.
- Two subdials at 3 and 9.
- Original blue steel chronograph hands.
- Original ‘Spade’ style purple steel time indication hands.
Movement
- Swiss-made movement.
- Native Zenith calibre.
- 18 jewels.
- Manual winding.
- Gilt wheels, plates and bridges.
- Polished steel parts.
Testing Results
- Testing time: 20+ days, winding every day at 12am.
- Running duration: more than 30 hours.
- Day error (static/dynamic): less than 30 seconds/day.
- Conclusion: guaranteed to keep good time for 6 months.
Servicing and Guarantee
- Fully serviced with disassembly in our Bristol shop.
- Mechanics in full working order – has passed preventative maintenance and testing.
- 22 mm, thick black natural leather strap, classic style, with folding clasp.
- Guarantee Terms and Conditions.
Links and Resources:
Zenith Serial Number Catalogue.
Zenith Official Website Company History.
