When does a dial make all the difference? When it is a Mango dial on a Zenith Rainbow Elite. Model reference 02.0471.670
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the stamped paperwork from Harrods we can accurately date this watch to being sold on 4th July 2001.
CONDITION
The Mango dial is a grail for many watch collectors, but this was not always so. Back when it was launched in the late 1990’s, it was the cover star of the Zenith range. But people didn’t buy it, opting for the more conservative white or black dial versions. Exact numbers are sketchy, but the most commonly quoted number is sales of the Mango dial were just 470, including the El Primero chronograph. The change in number of people aware of this model, and want this model now, versus the number available mean a big difference in supply and demand. There are more buyers than watches available. A search at time of press shows none on Chrono24, and one El Primero as a completed listing on eBay where the asking price was £9,000.
So let’s look at the dial first and foremost. It is by no means the only nice thing on this watch, but it is the USP. The dial on this example is faultless. One thing that is not immediately obvious is that the calendar wheel is also colour coded. The tip of the second hand still has the red paint too – these small details matter. The tritium lume has not discoloured and this watch has a lume pip on the unidirectional bezel too – the earlier Rainbow Elite watches didn’t. The crown is signed and screws down correctly, and all this should remind you that this watch was designed as a functional 200M rated divers watch. What is not usual for a divers watch though is the slim case. The flat sapphire glass and the in house calibre 670 automatic movement allow for a case depth of under 9mm. For comparison, Tudor where shouting when they reduced the thickness of the Black Bay 58 case from 14.8mm to just over 12mm. This slim case makes wearing any Rainbow Elite divers watch a comfortable experience. That comfort is aided by the original bracelet, which has the correct butterfly clasp. The movement is running well, and it is a shame that the case back is not glass to marvel at how well finished this Zenith calibre is.
This watch will be supplied with the original outer cardboard box, inner presentation box, stamped papers 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 42.9 mm
Width without crown 38.8 mm
Between lugs 19 mm
Lug to lug length 45.0 mm
Case Thickness 8.8 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 195 mm, plus three extra links. 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 6 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.
