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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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 On the left is 706Dx, right 922D On the left is 706Dx, right 922D On the left is 706Dx, right 922D
Following this too. Photos dont look like a new bevel was polished in to my eyes, too much material left.
sorry to change the tune, but the tachy rings look different or is it the plexi distorting the size of the numbers?
GIGI, if all the 386s shown on the photo are yours you need three more for a daily change over the week