This Zenith is not the automatic Respirator model of the same period, but instead has a hand winding movement and thinner case as well as the solid gold bracelet.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the movement as well as the Edinburgh import hallmark on the inside of the case back we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1967. The hallmark on the bracelet is for London 1974, so this must have been added later.
CONDITION
1967 is somewhat of a high point in watch making history. Modern production methods were making watches better than ever, and the quartz crisis and massive spike in gold prices that happened in the 1970’s had not yet made any impact. So mid to late 1960’s watches are a sweet spot to a lot of collectors.
This gold Zenith is a prime example of this desire for quality over cost saving. The movement, a Zenith calibre 2310, will not win any top trumps game but just does what it should, wonderfully. It is very slender, nicely finished with beveled bridges and shock protection. It has polished surfaces that would embarrass many modern watches with glass case backs, but in this zenith the only person who would have been impressed would have been your watchmaker. The 9k gold case is made by Zenith, which is unusual because importing gold cases was very highly taxed. Most premium brands had cased made in the UK and imported the movement, but this is all Swiss made. The dial does have patina and dirt around the edges, which is not unusual for non water proof cases. The hallmarked 9k gold bracelet is a later addition, by NK Wristwear. As this watch has standard lugs the bracelet can also be swapped for a leather strap if preferred, but this is a good length and looks good together in our humble opinion.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 27.3 mm
Width without crown 25.7 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 34.4 mm
Case Thickness 7.2 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 195 mm. The bracelet can be sized for you if you give us your wrist size when placing the order.
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
