Zenith

Digging deeper on a Zenith - #1

 

Dear Zenith addicts,

As I announced last week, here is the first edition of the “Digging deeper on a Zenith”.

The watch that I choose to open this series is a very unusual late 60's, early 70’s (I presume) "Carree-Cambree" case, A 3736, manual winding, caliber 146HP, 200 meters water resistant.

Movement

This colorful watch is powered by a caliber 146HP. I had a long struggle trying to understand the meaning of those letters, but here is what I could find:
 
146D Martel base 14'' ' 2 counters, 45 minutes
146H Martel base 14'' ' 3 counters, 30 minutes, 12 hours
156D Martel base 15'' ' 2 counters, 45 minutes
156H Martel base 15'' ' 3 counters, 30 minutes, 12 hours
146DP mounted on the base Martel “Cairelli”
146HP: P but as chronometer

The movement, like many on the “good old days”, follows the classic chronograph at that times (column wheel, etc.) and is nice to see. Of course, it uses the pure functional Martel/Zenith finish. It’s made to work but not to see.

Outside of the case back we have the classic Zenith "star" logo and the serial number.

On the inside, we have very few wording.

Identification

On the Zenith Book by Rössler we have two versions:

a) Black dialed

b) Our watch, with an exquisite silver dial

The "Carree-Cambree" case is very substantial but the short lugs makes it fit even on my skinny wrist.

It's tall but not too much. Dresses very nice.

The pushers and crowns

This watches have two crowns.

The one at 3, winds (yes, it's a manual wind watch) and on the position #1 sets the time.

The other, screw down, when released moves the internal bezel.

This rotating internal bezel makes many to state that this is a compressor cased watch. It's not.

The two pushers are the standard chronograph pushers.

The bracelet

The bracelet is the standard, for late 60's / early 70's Zenith bracelet. Comfortable, with the clasp including a "diver extension". After all this watch is a diver watch.

The crystal

As the watches of that time, this one uses a plastic crystal (domed) that adds a lot of personality to this watch.

I love the "dome".

Final view

This uncommon watch, shows how proficient Zenith was during the late 60's. Is a very rare watch (IMHO) that contains design elements that makes it a very attractive sports watch.

I hope that all enjoyed this first post of this series.

Stay tuned. More will come.

Cheers,

Nilo