Need help identifying this Zenith watch

MTL514 · Oct 31, 2019

So father passed away 3 months ago. Going through his stuff and I found this Zenith watch. I don't think there's all that much monetary value to it but I would like to wear it. The problem is that it's not functional so before going to a watch maker I want to understand if it's possible and worth to fixing it.

Theres not much to go on. Its a manual winding watch. It look in fair condition esthetically. There's a stamped number on the back but I can only read 896a.

Any help appreciated.

shaun hk · Oct 31, 2019

In all honesty I don’t know much about these but I would imagine these old manual wind movements can be brought back to life and the parts are probably available. You do see them come up for sale every now and then, so if absolutely necessary you can buy one for a donor movement, though hopefully this may not be required.

STANDY · Oct 31, 2019

Worth fixing and will be a great every day watch.
Get your watchmaker to take a few pictures of the movement and the case back for all the information on age and model number.

Important, make sure you put a note in with the watch.
No polishing
Leave dial, hands and crown
Service movement only.

Where in the world are you. Members might be able to recommend a good watchmaker.

MTL514 · Oct 31, 2019

STANDY
Worth fixing and will be a great every day watch.
Get your watchmaker to take a few pictures of the movement and the case back for all the information on age and model number.

Important, make sure you put a note in with the watch.
No polishing
Leave dial, hands and crown
Service movement only.

Where in the world are you. Members might be able to recommend a good watchmaker.

It's interesting that no one can identify this watch. I'm wondering if it's authentic at this point. But how many fake 60's Zenith watches can there be right?

It's a pretty small watch and it could look a bit funky on my large wrist, but I'm willing to try it out if I can afford the repair and a new band on it.

I'm in Montreal Canada.

wagudc · Oct 31, 2019

M MTL514
It's interesting that no one can identify this watch. I'm wondering if it's authentic at this point. But how many fake 60's Zenith watches can there be right?

It's a pretty small watch and it could look a bit funky on my large wrist, but I'm willing to try it out if I can afford the repair and a new band on it.

I'm in Montreal Canada.

You might have better luck if you changed the title to "Need help identifying this Zenith watch"

DaveK · Oct 31, 2019

Condolences on the loss of your father

M MTL514
It's interesting that no one can identify this watch.

As Standy said, info from inside the watch is needed

M MTL514
It's a pretty small watch and it could look a bit funky on my large wrist

Watches were smaller back in the day. It is something you might need to adjust to, but give it a try. Hang on to the watch, if you sell it now it’s gone for good

CaptainWinsor · Oct 31, 2019

My guess is it’s a 25xx movement. Just the look makes me think this. You can find these all day for sale on the Bay so no worries if you need a donor movement or just parts. If there is an A in the case number, it’s from the early 60s when Zenith changes the numbering system

durri70 · Oct 31, 2019

what's the brand of the bracelet? I saw an inscription on it. thanks

MTL514 · Oct 31, 2019

CaptainWinsor
My guess is it’s a 25xx movement. Just the look makes me think this. You can find these all day for sale on the Bay so no worries if you need a donor movement or just parts. If there is an A in the case number, it’s from the early 60s when Zenith changes the numbering system

I can barely make it out but it does look like 896a138

Good to know that there are parts for it. Emotional value aside, do you think it is worth getting it fixed? I don't want to fix to resale it but I also don't want to be one of those ppl that will dump large sums of money in an object because of some sort of emotional valuation. I know it's it's hard to say, asking for you opinion.

MTL514 · Oct 31, 2019

durri70
what's the brand of the bracelet? I saw an inscription on it. thanks

I can check tonight nut the bracelet is definitely nor original. it's a stretchy bracelet. My dad loved those things. Although I don't even remember ever seeing him wear this watch.

wagudc · Oct 31, 2019

M MTL514
I can barely make it out but it does look like 896a138

Good to know that there are parts for it. Emotional value aside, do you think it is worth getting it fixed? I don't want to fix to resale it but I also don't want to be one of those ppl that will dump large sums of money in an object because of some sort of emotional valuation. I know it's it's hard to say, asking for you opinion.

It could likely be fixed and serviced in the neighborhood of $200-$300. I think it is worth it for this watch in your situation. If it were my Dad's watch I would do it.

Walrus · Oct 31, 2019

I spent about the value on an old bulova that belonged to my grandfather to repair it. Well worth it to me. It’s not like he will ever be able to pass down anything ever again. Sorry to hear of your loss, see if you can get it going and maybe you can pass it on someday.

MTL514 · Oct 31, 2019

wagudc
It could likely be fixed and serviced in the neighborhood of $200-$300. I think it is worth it for this watch in your situation. If it were my Dad's watch I would do it.

Oh $200-300 is totally doable. Thank you for input

durri70 · Oct 31, 2019

M MTL514
I can check tonight nut the bracelet is definitely nor original. it's a stretchy bracelet. My dad loved those things. Although I don't even remember ever seeing him wear this watch.

I appreciate if you can check and tell me please

wagudc · Oct 31, 2019

M MTL514
Oh $200-300 is totally doable. Thank you for input

It could be more of course. A reputable watch maker should be able to give you a quote. If you let us know the area where you live, someone will likely have a good recommendation for you. You might have to start a new thread though.

MTL514 · Oct 31, 2019

durri70
I appreciate if you can check and tell me please

Hard to read as it's a signature like brand. Looks like Expendro? Stamp is:

Expendro(?)
Patent
Stainless Steel
Made in Germany

Curious about why you're so interested in the bracelet?

MTL514 · Oct 31, 2019

wagudc
It could be more of course. A reputable watch maker should be able to give you a quote. If you let us know the area where you live, someone will likely have a good recommendation for you. You might have to start a new thread though.

I'm in Montreal Canada.

durri70 · Oct 31, 2019

M MTL514
Hard to read as it's a signature like brand. Looks like Expendro? Stamp is:

Expendro(?)
Patent
Stainless Steel
Made in Germany

Curious about why you're so interested in the bracelet?

Because I bought a watch 2 days ago and has the same bracelet. The watch didn’t arrive yet and I was very curious about the maker 😀
Thanks a lot. I can help on your watch as no knowledge about it

michael22 · Oct 31, 2019

I had a manual wind late sixties/seventies Zenith watch serviced for $300. The watchmaker didn't bat an eyelid, or suggest there may be parts problems.

Yours looks older than mine, but I don't see anything fake about it.

wagudc · Oct 31, 2019

M MTL514
I'm in Montreal Canada.

I believe @Archer is Canadian and is certainly a knowledgeable watchmaker. Also, pretty sure @Canuck and @CdnWatchDoc are Canadian and might also be watchmakers (going off vague memories of posts and handles here). If nothing else on of these folks might be able to point you in the right direction.

Need help identifying this Zenith watch

MTL514

shaun hk

STANDY

MTL514

wagudc

DaveK

CaptainWinsor

durri70

MTL514

MTL514

wagudc

Walrus

MTL514

durri70

wagudc

MTL514

MTL514

durri70

michael22

wagudc

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