Zenith A271 Research

DanT · Dec 16, 2020

Hello - I'm new to this forum, and enjoying learning more about vintage Zenith having recently acquired this A271. Up until now, my collecting has focussed on similar era Omega, so now happy to take a dive into another brand with a fascinating history.

I was drawn to this model as I have always liked the UG Compax models, and I understand the lineage shared between the two companies and Martel. The UG 285 movement has been described as 'legendary', so to find a Zenith variation on this movement with the 146DP was a large part of the appeal, together with the understated dial.

I have been trawling other forums for any information on this reference and found a few interesting pieces. I read that the production run may have been quite limited, as this was produced towards the end of the 1960s when the automatic chronograph was seen as the future. Any resources or links from members of this forum would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

Dan

Ted1858 · Dec 16, 2020

Thanks for starting this thread Dan, and really nice pickup! While I have nothing to offer in terms of resources, I will be following as I am very much drawn to the A27X watches. I have seen some commentary on the A279, for example, that describes it as simply dumping manual chrono movements into relatively cheap cases just to get rid of them ahead of the El Primero. Yet, I have also heard the A279 described as "rugged" by some collectors. I am interested to hear opinions on the case quality of these various watches and time periods produced.

I'll go back and find the (few) references I saw and link them here.

WatchCor · Dec 16, 2020

These are a gorgeous and rare. Haven't found one yet that I would pull the trigger on but I can definitely appreciate their beauty.

DanT · Dec 16, 2020

Ted1858
Thanks for starting this thread Dan, and really nice pickup! While I have nothing to offer in terms of resources, I will be following as I am very much drawn to the A27X watches. I have seen some commentary on the A279, for example, that describes it as simply dumping manual chrono movements into relatively cheap cases just to get rid of them ahead of the El Primero. Yet, I have also heard the A279 described as "rugged" by some collectors. I am interested to hear opinions on the case quality of these various watches and time periods produced.

I'll go back and find the (few) references I saw and link them here.

Thanks @Ted1858 I appreciate your words of welcome. I know there have been some previous threads on here and elsewhere on OF so dont want to appear a complete noob who hasn't done a search for previous threads. But as you say these A27X watches are wonderful and somewhat under the radar, and I know there will be knowledgeable members out there who may be good enough to share insights, so thanks for your kind interest

DanT · Dec 16, 2020

Another subject that's interesting - but maybe for another thread - is the issue of case and dial manufacture. There have been interesting posts written elsewhere about the history of Martel and its connection to UG and later Zenith. But not a lot I've read on the other parts. Many historic brands of this era, as we know, were not manufacturers in the purist sense - Omega, Heuer et al sourced movements, dials and cases from other suppliers - although some, like Lemania or Martel became subsidiaries. In fact these companies were assemblers who brought these elements in and then adapted for their own brand, quality control and production needs.

CaptainWinsor · Dec 16, 2020

What’s the case number?

Risto · Dec 16, 2020

@wristpirate could also have some bits of info 😀

DanT · Dec 16, 2020

CaptainWinsor
What’s the case number?

384D533

Tony C. · Dec 16, 2020

Here's my small contribution, from a German catalogue. Note that the indexes were/are gold:

Ted1858 · Dec 16, 2020

Just want to confirm on the reference numbers - the steel cases start with A (acier) and gold start with G?

Tony C. · Dec 16, 2020

Ted1858
Just want to confirm on the reference numbers - the steel cases start with A (acier) and gold start with G?

Correct - but these were catalogue references, which were not always the same as model references.

DanT · Dec 16, 2020

Tony C.
Here's my small contribution, from a German catalogue. Note that the indexes were/are gold:

Thanks @Tony C. much appreciated

Tony C. · Dec 16, 2020

DanT
Thanks @Tony C. much appreciated

You're welcome!

CaptainWinsor · Dec 16, 2020

The top pic G 1.71 is actually Ref. ZH 171.

sliceoftime_ · Dec 17, 2020

I really find these A27X models really awesome and so underrated. The quality of the watch is sublime. Here's mine, with an added Yugaslavian Air Force with the Excelsior Park movement.

preacher · Dec 17, 2020

The reference AH27X means:
A steel
H for man
2 round, waterproof
7 manual winding chronograph
X model

here is my table to read the zenith references:

preacher · Dec 17, 2020

DanT
Another subject that's interesting - but maybe for another thread - is the issue of case and dial manufacture. There have been interesting posts written elsewhere about the history of Martel and its connection to UG and later Zenith. But not a lot I've read on the other parts. Many historic brands of this era, as we know, were not manufacturers in the purist sense - Omega, Heuer et al sourced movements, dials and cases from other suppliers - although some, like Lemania or Martel became subsidiaries. In fact these companies were assemblers who brought these elements in and then adapted for their own brand, quality control and production needs.

zenith acquired Martel in 1959. this watch was produced in the late 60's. at that time Zenith was the only company that produced chronographs with proprietary movements, the others used third-party movements (lemania, valjoux ...).
caliber 146 is one of the best ever produced, who owns it knows what I'm talking about.
the entire production line was destroyed in the 70s, after the acquisition of zenith by the zenith radio company, they also sold the former Martel factories.
They are very underrated watch (IMHO)
Here is my GH171 my AH278 and AH277

Risto · Dec 17, 2020

I had this A273.
Different style seconds hand.

Tony C. · Dec 17, 2020

preacher
at that time Zenith was the only company that produced chronographs with proprietary movements, the others used third-party movements (lemania, valjoux ...).

With respect, the above, even if accurate, is largely meaningless. The suggestion that base Lemania or Valjoux chronograph calibers, finished in-house by many manufacturers, were somehow inferior to the Zenith movements of the period, is silly. Was the cal. 146 better than the Valjoux 72 of the period, to use just one example?

preacher · Dec 17, 2020

Tony C.
With respect, the above, even if accurate, is largely meaningless. The suggestion that base Lemania or Valjoux chronograph calibers, finished in-house by many manufacturers, were somehow inferior to the Zenith movements of the period, is silly. Was the cal. 146 better than the Valjoux 72 of the period, to use just one example?

where did you see that I say that the caliber 146 is better or worse than others?I said that:
1) zenith produced its chronograph calibers by itself and others did not, for me this is a plus.
2) 146 was one of the best chronograph calibers of the time, which means that for me the 146 has nothing less than other more famous calibers such as the Valjoux 72
Certainly then the valjoux 72 was mounted on successful watches and therefore rightly enjoys an excellent reputation, the 146 is less known but in my opinion it is equally valid.

about point 1, it means that other things being equal, I consider a watch equipped with its own movement to be better than a watch equipped with a movement that I can find on a dozen other watches

Zenith A271 Research

DanT

Ted1858

WatchCor

DanT

DanT

CaptainWinsor

Risto

DanT

Tony C.

Ted1858

Tony C.

DanT

Tony C.

CaptainWinsor

sliceoftime_

preacher

preacher

Risto

Tony C.

preacher

Similar threads

Researching Chronostop Genève references 145.009, 146.009, 145.010, and 146.010

Vintage Zenith Autosport Cal. 2552 PC vs 2562 PC: Worth It?

Zenith Autosport Luxe Gold Dial: Ref 20.1110.290

Zenith Number Series Prototypes, Movado & Martel Movements

Zenith Defy Surf 02.0360.360: ETA Replacement for 2572PC

Zenith AF/P: indication of high-beat Cal. 405|408 or model|sub-brand