Zenith caliber 122 Chronograph.

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Northernman

·Nov 10, 2015·Lemaniac

Bought this on auction last night.
Not too much info except it is small (about 30mm in diameter) and says Zenith on the dial.
A UG cal 281 with Zenith logo?
Sala have almost the same dial shown on page 161 of his book with UG Compur on it. (Only pic so far. )

Input and ideas please?

Speculations may end when I get it in hand next week😀

Edited: Nov 10, 2015

 

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LouS

·Nov 10, 2015·Mrs Nataf's Other Son

Northernman

A UG cal 281 with Zenith logo?

yes that's what you bought. Zenith got its chronographs from UG in the early days - extensive history of co-operation.

 

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Skrotis

·Nov 11, 2015

This is photo from movment from seller

 

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Northernman

·Nov 11, 2015·Lemaniac

Skrotis

This is photo from movment from seller

Thanks!
I was a bit late to ask for that, but the price I paid was low enough to take a gamble.
Of to the Spa for a proper clean and lube.
😀

 

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Skrotis

·Nov 11, 2015

Yes a nice price and a nice watch

 

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styggpyggeno1

·Nov 11, 2015

Yup. Congrats.

 

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Northernman

·Nov 11, 2015·Lemaniac

I have tried to Google Zenith cal 122. Not many around? Especially not in SS.
Anyone have the Rössler/Zenith bible who can share some info?

Found this ad from 1932:

 

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marturx

·Nov 11, 2015

I actually bid in the first auction, but was outbid. Then it was relisted, but when it ended the second time, I was chasing an other object (which I got BTW) 😀

That Zenith chrono seems to be in excellent condition. The only thing being the size. 30 mm, excl the crown. That is what held the price down. At 37-38 mm, the price would have been doubled or even tripled!

 

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Northernman

·Nov 11, 2015·Lemaniac

marturx

I actually bid in the first auction, but was outbid. Then it was relisted, but when it ended the second time, I was chasing an other object (which I got BTW) 😀

That Zenith chrono seems to be in excellent condition. The only thing being the size. 30 mm, excl the crown. That is what held the price down. At 37-38 mm, the price would have been doubled or even tripled!

Agreed on the size. I just have a gut feeling that these early cal 122 Zenith/Martel/UG watches may be of interest for certain collectors (I am one).
I have a "Nordic wrist" so 30mm is too small for everyday use.
The dial looks fantastic at about 80 years of age, and the rest also seems to be in a unmolested condition.
Tried to find some, but apart from the UG book by Sala, and the above ad it seems to be very little info around.

Now, what was that other watch you chased? Confess son!😁
👍

 

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marturx

·Nov 11, 2015

Yes Father (even if I´m not a Catholic). I managed to pick up, my fourth this year, sock-drawer Speedy (what else? 😀).

4 one owner Speedies in a year. To be compared with Honorably Hoarder @gemini4 stunning achievement of picking up 50+ Speedies in the same amount of time....

 

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oddboy

·Nov 11, 2015

@maturx, pics?

@Northernman, nice pickup! A bit too small for me, but very attractive otherwise.

 

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Northernman

·Nov 11, 2015·Lemaniac

oddboy

@maturx, pics?

@Northernman, nice pickup! A bit too small for me, but very attractive otherwise.

As a wearer I agree. However the fascinating fact that these small chronographs was considered a technical feat in the days makes them desirable IMO.
It will fit nicely together with my other small Chrono, an Excelsior Park 42 mono pusher. 😉

 

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Modest_Proposal

·Nov 11, 2015

Although these movements were supplied by UG, Zenith finished them to a level UG never did. Very attractive.

 

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nicola1960

·Nov 11, 2015

Ciao !😀

 

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Northernman

·Nov 20, 2015·Lemaniac

So the Zenith has made it from Sweden to my watchmaker in the UK.
Finally some high res photos, and it holds some promise.
It sure needs a proper cleaning and service, and a new crystal. Anyone who compare the movement to a standard UG281 will find differences both in finishing as pointed out by @Modest_Proposal , but also the escapement bridge and chronograph bridge shape is different.

Now: Can anyone explain the case serial number? It does not fit any other Zenith serial number I have seen before?

More pictures: http://watchguy.co.uk/cgi-bin/library?action=show_photos&wat_id=1716

 

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sneer

·Nov 22, 2015

Congrat - from Sweden , 30mm?

 

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Northernman

·Nov 22, 2015·Lemaniac

sneer

Congrat - from Sweden , 30mm?

From Sweden Yes.
30mm.
😉