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Zenith A386 interesting findings

  1. E-diddy Apr 20, 2017

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    Was comparing A386s with a fellow collector, and we noticed some subtle differences that we need your help to validate.

    The left has case number 706Dx (batch 2), the right 922D (late series)
    1. Case. The the 706Dx has shorter lugs and smaller bevels when compared to the 922D. To be expected? I know MK1 has a different case -- how many different cases did Zenith produce for the a386?

    2. Crystal. The 706Dx has a lower profile crystal. Have others seen this difference as well? I've seen a 231E with the same kind of "taller" crystal profile.

    IMG_1995.JPG

    IMG_1999.JPG
     
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  2. papaebetu Apr 21, 2017

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    Maybe in a bad service work....:thumbsdown:

    GIGI
     
  3. E-diddy Apr 24, 2017

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    Anyone else have an ideas? Do we think Zenith issued different cases for these two productions? Or do we think it's possible the case of the 706Dx (left) has been serviced? It doesn't look like it to me, but I'm hoping the experts will have some insights.
     
  4. plexyforever Apr 25, 2017

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    You should post more detailed pictures without straps.
    With these pics I agree with GIGI.
     
    Edited Apr 25, 2017
  5. E-diddy May 11, 2017

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    Ok, so in different light we determined that the lugs are the same size. However, the bevels are different. We took another picture that hopefully captures this difference. What do you think? Has anyone seen different bevels on these cases before? Did Zenith produce different bevels? Or has one of them serviced? 706Dx on left,922Dx on right.

    IMG_2948.JPG
     
    Edited May 11, 2017
    billving likes this.
  6. papaebetu May 11, 2017

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    After your last pic, have to change my opinion: Really a over polished work

    GIGI
     
  7. E-diddy May 11, 2017

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    Thanks, GIGI. Which one has been over polished -- the left?
     
  8. Stewart H Honorary NJ Resident May 11, 2017

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    I'd say that the one on the right as it appears to have had material removed to arrive at that bevel shape, but that might be an optical illusion where the strap has been cut around the lug.

    As suggested above, a photo without the straps would clear this up.
     
  9. michael22 May 11, 2017

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    The one on the right looks polished, but I don't think that accounts for the different bevel. That broad lug bevel is flat apart from where it joins the neighboring bevels. Polishing/buffing to that extent would have rounded the whole bevel.

    Can the difference be put down to variance between batches?
     
  10. andomegas May 11, 2017

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    Maybe a silly question...but was any of the original casework on this watch done by hand?
    Such as cases made fist, and bevels added later? And so all bevels look slightly different?
     
  11. E-diddy May 16, 2017

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    Here are some photos with the straps removed. Not sure which angles will be of help. Let me know what you guys think. Does either look polished? Is it possible that the bevels were added manually later (which would explain the difference)?

    On the left is 922D, right 706Dx
    a386_1.JPG

    On the left is 706Dx, right 922D
    a386_3.JPG

    On the left is 706Dx, right 922D
    a386_2.JPG


    On the left is 706Dx, right 922D
    a386_4_back.JPG
     
  12. E-diddy May 18, 2017

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    bump. would love to hear what the experts have to say.
     
  13. bmilnes May 19, 2017

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    Following this too. Photos dont look like a new bevel was polished in to my eyes, too much material left.
     
  14. m neuman What, me worry? May 28, 2017

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    sorry to change the tune, but the tachy rings look different or is it the plexi distorting the size of the numbers?
     
  15. E-diddy May 28, 2017

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    It's the curve in the plexi distorting the number
     
  16. papaebetu May 28, 2017

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    because was changed, maybe during a service.... ;)

    GIGI
     
    IMG_1832.JPG
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  17. valjoux72 May 29, 2017

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    There is a Zenith 386 for sale on the upcoming Christies auction on June the 21th in New York;)
     
  18. papaebetu May 29, 2017

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    NOT FROM ME ;)

    GIGI
     
  19. valjoux72 May 30, 2017

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    GIGI,

    if all the 386s shown on the photo are yours you need three more for a daily change over the week;)