Just got this Zenith in as part of a deal, took it as I liked the dial.

As I never ever have had a Zenith before I would be very glad if some would enlighten me

 

Very nice watch you have there with the 126-6 movement I think, the model is underneath the hairspring but I can't see right.

These watches aren't exactly Swiss (hence the lack of SWISS MADE) as they were made right across the border in Besancon, France at Zenith's other factory, in the 50s.

The quality is on par with the Swiss Zeniths if you ask me.

What's the case diameter out of curiosity ?

 

The diameter is 33 mm it seems. Had a look under the balance and from what I could see you may be right concerning the 126-6 movement. Looks like that is what it says under there.

So is there any way to date this excactly, or is "the 50s" as close as one can get ?

 

Well they're nowhere near as easy to date as Omegas for example especially since there were 2 types of serial numbers if I remember correctly but do look up your caliber number and you will find a few forums throughout the internet where they'll post quite a lot of relevant info and some serial numbers as well which should help you date it more precisely.

These were made in 109,000 numbers between '50 and '55.

 

I'm not so sure that the lack of the "Swiss made" certifies that the watch has been manufactured in France.

This is mine, made in Swiss in 1953, with a very close serial number.





This one is from Besancon

 

Too many digits in the OP's serial number for it to be a French watch.

 

I thought that it has to have swiss made on the dial and movement and that those that didn't were French-made...

 

Thanks @bubba48 for information, they look very similar but I spot one difference (might be more I don't see), on my movement there is one but yours have 2 although the movement seems to be 126-6 in bpth cases? Know why ?