Authenticity guarantee too. Not a chrono expert but I think this may be a Landeron Movt and the dial is a complete mess.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ze...171999?hash=item54981b321f:g:MxEAAOSwER1gQ-MCPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

That is comical....

 

Nice photos though.

 

This one would be an interesting test of the authenticity program. If an uneducated authenticator sees Zenith on the dial and bridge, and they pass it through- then you receive it and claim it’s a fake (to which we know the answer), do you have recourse- is the authenticators “ruling” final?

 

I just looked at the sellers other items. A lot of watches, including other Zenith chronos, with prices starting at 2K+ so they obviously know this piece is fake.

 

I don’t follow... ?

 

Yes, it's a Landeron 48. What an awful obvious fake. Interesting that eBay flagged it for authentication. Maybe just based on the fact that it's gold and a "Zenith"?

Potential shill bidding too.

 

A horror show...

 

Could you or anyone else please elaborate on how you can so quickly determine this is a fake and the movement and any other markers that send up the “red flags” ....I’m trying to educate myself more on how to spot these. One of the reasons I’m so happy I joined this forum is the amazing amount of Information you all are able to impart. Thanks

 

It's a common Chronographe Suisse with "ZENITH" printed on the dial. Nothing to do with Zenith, they never made chronographs like this. The Zenith signed bridge on the Landeron 48 movement (not used by Zenith) has been transplanted and is the wrong color. Zenith logo much more modern than the movement, which is not shock-protected. I could go on ...

Spend a few years looking at tens of thousands of vintage watches and it will be obvious to you also.

 

Like Dan said, there are some key markers to look for that come with exposure. Chronographs like this were very popular in the late 40’s-early 50’s. Landeron based Chronos were incredibly popular because they were inexpensive and fairly robust. What they lacked in engineering elegance, they made up for in durability and price (I have a couple). It was common practice for a designer or brand to buy stock parts and assemble watches for mass consumption putting their logo on the dial. Even some better brands did this (Leonidas- later incorporating with Heuer comes to mind). But the tell is usually in the dial style and the Landeron movement (if the seller took a picture that didn’t intentionally obscure under the balance we would see L48).

 

And I want to clarify for the uneducated- these Landeron based watches aren’t bad, some of them are beautifully designed and a joy to wear. I have a few as do many members here- they are cheap thrills- but they aren’t a Zenith.

 

Bingo...

 

I’m in awe of all your knowledge (and a little jealous). I’ve spent over half my life flying airplanes so I know what it takes to become educated in a specific endeavor. I only wish I had started educating myself sooner. It’s fascinating! Thanks to everyone for the great info

 

Thanks, but much of what I’ve learned came from many of the members here- I’m just paying it forward. I have a fairly egalitarian perspective on watches- nothing wrong with a mass produced consumer product if it’s done well. But in this situation, we are talking about a watch made up to be something it is not- and that’s deceptive, and the lowest of the low.

 

So much for ‘authentication’ service there haha

 

Quibbles about authenticity aside...

 

Landeron-driven watches - lots of nice looking references out there but... I am not a fan of the movements at all based on personal experience with numerous watches - and even more numerous problems. So many in fact that I won't touch anything with a Landeron under the hood. No doubt others will have had a more positive view, perhaps even a more informed one. But you won't change my mind.

 

Agreed !

 

Language not regular or syntax are not ditto the same are not indicational of integrity of product for sale offered is.