The Elite was the watch that returned Zenith to the top table of watch makers. Model reference 90/01 0040 680.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
The calibre 680 movement was launched in 1994, and it was a big thing. For around a decade Zenith watches had been using quartz movements, bought in from ETA. They were not even making the El Primero chronograph mechanical movements. The six series movements marked a turning point back to Zenith being a proper watch manufacturer. Given that, and we have had a previous watch the same model as this with box and papers, then we can say this watch was made circa 1997. That was the date on the paperwork for the last one we sold, which had a serial number just 3,500 different.
CONDITION
Three things strike you about this watch. First is the silver dial, which shimmers very subtly thanks to very fine concentric lines that are very hard to see with the naked eye. The second is the thinness of the case, and you have to remind yourself this is an automatic with calendar, and still under 7mm. The third thing you see when you flip the watch over and use the exhibition case back to see the finish on the movement. It is beautiful, and of course it is working perfectly. This example has a scuff mark on the bezel between eleven and twelve, which could be polished out but we don’t polish watch cases here. The bracelet also has marks and is not polished, but again this can be done or you could wear this watch on a leather strap instead. The bracelet is quite long and our sister website, SpareLinks.com, may have extra links if required. The bracelet has been cleaned in our ultrasonic bath.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
This watch has been checked against the Watch Register and has not been reported as lost, stolen or implicated in fraud, and a copy of that certificate will also be included.
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 37.5 mm
Width without crown 35.7 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 41.0 mm
Case Thickness 6.9 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 192 mm. The bracelet can be sized for you if you give us your wrist size when placing the order.
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.