A highly original, barely worn men’s Zenith Surf in a 9k gold case – complete with box. Model reference 33.0530.365.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
The Swiss hallmarks on the case do not have date codes, but inside the watch case is a stamp for Zenith-Movado. This partnership was formed in 1969. In 1970 several things changed to harmonise the two companies production – the crown design, the buckle design, and the model reference layout all changed to what we have here. The biggest clue we have is the movement was first introduced in 1975, and gold prices in the 1970’s went crazy – increasing four and a half times what they started the decade. Normally Switzerland wouldn’t hallmark anything less than 18k gold, but by the later 1970’s they did allow 9k gold to be hallmarked. This combination of factors lead us to believe that this watch was made circa 1978.
CONDITION
As mentioned, gold was increasingly unaffordable in the 1970’s. Watches like this that are hardly ever worn therefore are strange – why would you spend so much but not enjoy your purchase? Sometimes it is due to the watch being a long service award, but this has never been engraved. We won’t ever know for sure, but it does help the next owner! This Zenith is larger than the average watch, only by a millimetre or so but it all counts. Inside is the Zenith calibre 2542C, a manual wind 17 jewel movement with quick set calendar. Like the El Primero, the quick set date is not in the usual crown position but actually at the second position, as shown on the video. Often the date window on Zenith watches is at 4.30, but here it is at the more conventional 3. The watch has the lightest of marks, but nothing you could remotely call damage. The leather strap is the original Zenith item, complete with gold plated Zenith buckle. It has some very light wear. To find a better condition watch you are likely going to have to buy a new Zenith, which start at £5,500 for a steel watch or £13,000 for an 18k gold version.
This watch will be supplied with the original 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 36.7 mm
Width without crown 34.0 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 40.4 mm
Case Thickness 8.7 mm
All sizes are approximate. The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches.
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.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.