Zenith caliber 71 Automatic Bumper

DTMwatch · Feb 8, 2022

I am grateful for my new addition to my modest watch collection: a Zenith 18K pink gold, 37mm, automatic bumper caliber 71 watch, circa 1960, or late 1950s. I suspect it may be a Zenith reference 12098, based upon a Zenith add I saw from the late 1950s. I’m sorry about my amateur photos of the watch, but I’m happy with it on my wrist.

wristpirate · Feb 9, 2022

Very attractive. Take it outdoors, with a bit of sun your photos will improve. Show off that rose gold!

CaptainWinsor · Feb 9, 2022

Beautiful. Those recessed crown cases are uncommon.

LouS · Feb 9, 2022

Oooh, a hidden crown Cal 71! That's a rare beauty, in a beefier case than the other hidden crown models. Great score!

Tony C. · Feb 9, 2022

You could do worse. 😁

DTMwatch · Feb 9, 2022

I seem to be drawn by hidden crowns:

Syrte · Jun 23, 2022

Just stumbled upon this thread again, any chance the OP would share pictures taken in daylight so we have a better look at this beauty?

DTMwatch · Jul 4, 2022

I just saw your post seeking more picture, and I happened to be wearing this watch while relaxing on our porch this Independence Day.

DTMwatch · Jul 4, 2022

CaptainWinsor · Jul 4, 2022

Stunning. Gold and a Spillman case.

Bill Sohne · Jul 4, 2022

killer !

DTMwatch · Jul 5, 2022

Thanks. I didn’t know about the Spillmann case. I did a little internet research and found some interesting information about him and his casework. My watch’s case is a great size, and it has really nice lines to it. It’s a joy to wear this watch. The caliber 71 keeps excellent time for being over 60 years old. Though many bumper movements are noisy, this one is as quiet as a modern automatic. Great watch by Zenith.

CaptainWinsor · Jul 5, 2022

The Zenith Spillman cases are uncommon but the rarest ones are the Borgel cased Zenith pieces. As many around here will say, the Cal 71 is one of the finest watches ever made.

Bill Sohne · Jul 5, 2022

CaptainWinsor
The Zenith Spillman cases are uncommon but the rarest ones are the Borgel cased Zenith pieces. As many around here will say, the Cal 71 is one of the finest watches ever made.

Any pics ?

best
Bill