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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

Condolences on the loss of your father

As Standy said, info from inside the watch is needed

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

I appreciate if you can check and tell me please

 

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.

 

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?

 

I'm in Montreal Canada.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.