My recent purchase is a hand-winding movement, signed Zenith officer watch, which is working nicely. The movement is protected by an inner cover.The movement is signed with the Zenith name and the serial number 2,068,140 dates it back to 1916. Eg WW1 ish. Can you imagine who originally wore this and what story’s they could tell?
The watch measures 33mm diameter excluding the articulated lugs and the winding crown. The case is .935 silver and there are Continental hallmarks inside the case back. The case is in good condition.
The lens is in good condition.
The dial is signed is signed Favre Leuba and Zenith. In 1901, the two families of the founders of Favre Leuba and Zenith were privately quite close and Henry Auguste Favre (Favre Leuba), who already owned a successful branch in Bombay, took over the distribution for George Favre-Jacot (founder of Zenith) in the India/Burma. During the long co-operation between the two companies, which lasted until the 1960s, several watches, especially high-class chronometers, were signed on the dial with both names.
The dial is enamel and it has suffered some damage, notably by numbers 4 and 10, with radiating hairline cracks. Blued steel hands, a subsidiary seconds dial and an outer minute track.
For me it’s not only a bit of history but a watch I have enjoyed wearing for a few days now and from all the positive and appreciative comments received while wearing I know it has been a great buy!
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