Now in hand, a a real beauty. The case is 35mm, which is typical of these watches, but wears larger because of the narrow bezel and wide dial. Note the long, graceful minute hand. Note also the brush finish around the side of the case and lugs, with a polished finish above. I haven't opened it, so the movement shot is from the vendor. It is keeping excellent time, and the dial has a rather pearl-like finish. The patina is scarcely noticeable in realtime. I'm in love! Chris
As well you should be. That's a spectacular example with original dial & hands. Congratulations. How you can resist opening it is beyond me. You are developing quite a nose for finding these.
Congratulations! I know enough about zenith watches to recognize that any nice cal. 135 watch is cause for celebration!
I love that movement so much... its begging for a custom sapphire caseback! The finishing, the regulator, the blue hairspring, all just look superb.
I love the decorated, aesthetically-designed movements from this era ('40s-'50s) from manufactures like JLC, Zenith. IWC and others (and of course, Patek) - beautiful to look at even tho' their designers knew only other watchmakers would ever likely see them, and even then only seldom.
There is a 135 in Beverley Hills, advertised on Chrono 24 that has a shagged case back. A display replacement would be a good salvage job for that piece.
This one? http://www.secondtimearoundwatchco.com/watches-for-sale/zenith/chronometre/8515 You'd still have to do something about the not-very-good redial. Of course, I believe Chris has some spare dials....
That's the one. I think I'd have trouble with customs clearance though, if it arrived attached to a severed hand.