Ubik
1871
Great Zenith Special
I don't think they were made specifically for the German military, although they certainly may have used this style of watch.
Many different manufacturers made a watch like this, from small companies like Recta and Helvetia to well known names
like Breitling, Omega and Zenith.
They were generally designed for pilots of the period, a true tool watch.
I have heard the design called "Luftwaffe Pattern", but believe this is a misconceived nickname.
Here is a similar design listed in Breitling's 1946 Catalogue.
A group shot of different makes. (apologies I don't have a credit for this)
A Zenith mega-photo-thread to christen the new forum ...
The Zenith Forum is exciting news and perfectly timed to coincide with a re-energized Zenith. But of course there is plenty of Zenith history to draw from as well. I thought it would be fitting to start off with as many Zenith pieces as we can squeeze int...
Do pocket watches count? . . .
. . . if so, then here's my contribution - a '27 (or thereabouts) Zenith that has been handed down two generations . . . . . . and holds pride of place amongst my possessions. Cordially, Art...
A very interesting piece...
An interesting piece indeed, looking at the hour markers makes this piece quite unique among all Zenith watches. Thanks for sharing this rare sight!
As written above, a "Turkish dial" ...
... which was common on watches exported to the Ottoman empire, but also - if I recall correctly - in Armenia and a large part of the Middle East. Regards, Marcus
Alrighty!
The grandaddy Primero, ref A 386 Two Pimeros and a Cairelli enough with the old stuff, how about a new Charles Vermot LE? and my last watch purchase of 2011, a pre-Primero diver, ref. A 3736 Zenith - what a great manufacture! This message has been edited ...
Exhibit "A" . . .
. . . in the case for Zenith chronographs, El Primero or otherwise. The blue-dialed cushion case example from the first generation in particular . . . damn handsome watch, and worthy of a reprise, methinks. Cordially, Art
A good example of the understated . . .
. . . aesthetic tonality that Zenith reflected in times past, and currently. Thanks for sharing, Maarten . . . cordially, Art
A few Zeniths
Hi Andrew Ok will play... A pair of Zenith Delucas El Primero cal 400 powered. one black and one in white ( I let the white one go a while ago). A Zenith Captain chronometer powered by a caliber 135. A few first generation El Primeros... 18k yellow gold ....
The first phrase that's associated with Zenith . . .
. . . is "El Primero", but the second has got to be "caliber 135"! It's almost not fair that you've had three in your possession at one time or another ;-) . . .
I'll play ...
Only 2 Zenith timepieces in my collection at the moment ... (a) Zenith Chronomaster T Moonphase (b) Zenith Rainbow Flyback...
A pair of El Primeros is . . .
. . . a fine collection, Peter. That Rainbow Flyback would be a contender in any list of recent vintage sports chronos, alongside the likes of the Speedmaster, Flieger, and Fifty Fathoms . . . cordially, Art
Zenith clearly had a workable formula . . .
. . . when these El Primeros were minted: sensibly sized and well proportioned watches with a pronounced aesthetic, and showcasing a high performance movement. This genre of El Primero evinces a high level of intrinsic value; anecdotally, at least, it see...
A BOMB...
Zenith S 58: ( pic stolen to Tony C ) " There is a Life outside the El Primero ". Best, Nicolas....
Indeed, Nicolas . . .
. . . there's much to admire in Zenith's back catalog, and not just EP's . . .
And what about this " Deutche Heer "?
Pics to be credited to Zaf Basha. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! Best, Nicolas. This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-01-03 02:44:03 This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-01-03 02:44:31...
Definitely not a cal 135 chronometer . . .
. . . more likely a cal 12-4-P-6. Confirmation or correction from a Zenith expert welcome . . . cordially, Art
Sure, here's mine ...
Elite Ultra Thin New Vintage 1955 (left) & Elite Ultra Thin Elite Ultra Thin (front) & New Vintage 1955 New Vintage 1955 Cal 689 (top) & Elite Ultra Thin Cal 681 I just love Zenith classic watches. Very clean and elegant. Got the New Vintage 1955 first. T...
A poignant reminder . . .
. . . that formal wear is also a strength of Zenith's. Thanks for sharing your pair of rose gold black-dialed beauties . . . cordially, Art
Couldn't agree more ...
and it's something that tends to be overlooked (or overshadowed by the magnificent El Primero). Thanks for pointing that out.
Letz rock with G-force!
As usual... I am not the owner Happy new year! This message has been edited by Ogygia on 2011-01-03 02:09:05...
Definitive . . .
. . . vintage collection, Lou. The four cushion case models in particular are my cup of tea, and the recent 40th anniversary models are at the top of my current acquisition list . . . cordially, Art
The cushion cases
from the early Primeros might just be the most misunderstood and under-appreciated cases in watch-dom. They are supremely comfortable, catch the light beautifully, and have a wrist presence all their own. As attractive as the round cased Primero is, the c...
Welcome, Rob . . .
. . . and thanks for sharing your collection of recent El Primeros. The rose gold black-dialed triple calendar is something special ;-) . . . cordially, Art
There have been some gems in the Zenith catalogue ...
... and you have many of them here, Rob. Beautifully composed image too. You have been saved to my horological wallpaper collection. Thanks for showing us the seven, and now I'd love to see each of them in close up! Regards Andrew
One of my favourites: De Luca
I like this watch a lot, and I think it would be a most welcome re-edition if Zenith decided to launch one: Regards, Marcus...
The "Class El Primero" ...
... which, when I acquired it,was still dubbed "Class 4": This is the only watch that I still seriously regret selling even after more than five years. Regards, Marcus...
El Primero HW Gondola
great news to have Zenith on the forum!...this one won the wristscan a few months ago...Matt....
Very big congrats
Now I will learn a little more as I have been hearing so much about Zenith movements. Educate me.... Bill
The Ventura County branch . . .
. . . of the under-the-radar gang might have another Zenith in its ranks soon. Funny, I always thought it would be a Railmaster that would tie us together, but it looks like the club watch will be an EP instead . . .
Does anyone have a pic of the...
steel and gold with "Submariner"-blue dial, which was discontinued in 2000, after Zenith stopped supplying Rolex? This is one of my all-time favorites, aesthetically. -Dean
moonphase
I love your watch. Do you have a picture of the back? Is the calendar instantaneous? i.e. midnight?
spectacular
...collection of Pilot Specials. Are there any versions that you don't have? I'm particularly impressed that a few of them still have the thick crystal. Are they original, or have you managed to source replacements somewhere? Super rare!
thanks
some not in my collection yet, i will post if i have chance to grab those. for mine, they all are as the date when i bought, no source, sorry not able to help
Bill Sohne and myself were just discussing . . .
. . . your collection of vintage Zenith aviators, Bernard - very cool!
Great Pilot's watches
a brilliant family photo of Zenith pilots. I Loooooove this watch and have a few in my collection as well.
Zenith Rainbox Flyback (color)
Congratulations on the new Zenith forum! I'm very excited to see Zenith promote its classic roots. One of my favorite (and hardest to find) watches is below, but I'm tempted to trade it in for a new Zenith offering Regards, Ira Zenith Rainbox Flyback (col...
Keep the classics ...
Great Rainbow Flyback. I can't think of too many other watches (perhaps some G-P chronos) that so successfully combined colour into the dial and watch design as the Rainbow. And I like the pushers and bracelet as well. I would hang on to this one very tig...
Elite Rainbow Diver
Latest acquisition in 2010: Zenith Elite Rainbow. One picture on black alligator, one on mesh bracelet. Bodo...
A Zenith forum in the PuristPro at last!!!
My humble contribution to the thread. Saludos mis amigos. Kingmatic from Mexico City...
I'm embarrassed to say that ...
... I know very little about this Kingmatic line. Can you give us more information about the watch, years of production and movement? I can't think of any other square watch that has the date angled in the corner like that, but I like the way it echoes th...
Kingmatic is not a Zenith model/movement
It belongs to Movado. I believe Kingmatic is simply the poster's name (I think I remember a very beautiful Movado Datron he showed once, right K?) Zenith and Movado were once part of the same holding company, and there was a lot of sharing of movements bo...
Wow! What beautiful pieces!
It really is an eye opener as I never really gave Zenith as second thought. I've changed my min, though. This brand warrants some looking into. Aloha, Bob
My humble contribution
Hi Andrew, glad to find a Zenith forum now! As you know already - I mainly collect vintage Omegas... But I think when collecting watches one has to own at least THE Zenith icon: Cal. 135 chronometer So I have added 2 examples to my humble collection: As y...
No wonder the Cal. 135 is famous ...
It looks fantastic. Particularly that beautiful balance wheel and stylized swans neck regulator. Unfortunately I can't quite work out from the picture how it is regulated. A very nice pair. Andrew
I will try to explain...
It is not so easy to explain as I do not know all the correct expressions in English (I am not a native speaker!). I have marked and numbered important parts: As the slotted disk (A) is turned, the arched spring (D) presses a pin under the regulator arm (...
Very much appreciated, Erich
I understand completely, and I'm sure Steve won't mind with appropriate attribution as you have done. I should go hunting for the information but I'm feeling lazy! Can you tell me the speed and power reserve of the movement? The explanation is much apprec...
The speed should...
Andrew, to be honest I do not know the power reserve as I would have to check it... (it has a huge barrel, not only a huge balance) For the speed I guess it is 18.000 (if I recall correctly) - it is a slow beater at the lower end compared to the El Primer...
Large balance
Thanks Eric, This obviously deserves a thread by itself, but I assume then that this movement would function chronometrically much better in a static environment (ie, off the wrist) and that it would be prone to disruption on a moving wrist with jolts. Ha...
Not sure there is a simple answer
Andrew, I think the "fast and light" vs. "slow and heavy" balance wheel question doesn't have a simple answer. A large wheel with a large moment of inertia should resist the effects of small disturbances better, but when disturbed, will take longer to rec...
Jeweling
Beautiful 135's, Erich, and rare to find in such good condition. Regarding the jeweling, do you know how the 19 rubies are distributed? If I count, I get the standard 17 to the center wheel, plus an upper cap jewel for the escape wheel (18) and an upper h...
I think you...
Hi Tom, I am no watchmaker but I think your counting makes sense! kind regards Erich
Congrats to the new forum! :)
A great addition to the Purists! Here is my only Zenith so far… Best Blomman This message has been edited by blomman on 2011-01-07 00:42:25...
Thank you, blomman! . . .
. . . a family heirloom, perhaps? One hopes there will be room in "the safe" for a classic Zenith or two alongside the Jaegers ;-) . . . cordially, Art
Art, I am trying to make room…
But Nicolas keeps parading irresistible JLC’s in front of me… What a poor guy to do? No, seriously – I have been thinking a lot about Zenith and one day maybe I will be able to start. Unfortunately no family heirloom… This one I pi...
Rainbow and HW EP and Others
sorry for the bad pictures...I only have a cell phone camera looking forward to this forum!!! j This message has been edited by JWM on 2011-01-07 07:15:58 This message has been edited by JWM on 2011-01-07 07:21:31...
Better to have six Zeniths . . .
. . . and a cellphone cam than a Hasselblad and no Zeniths! Welcome to the forum, J, and hope to learn more from your insights . . . cordially, Art
Thanks
Couldn't use better words to describe each piece. All EPs, but all a little different. I have two more pieces incoming in the next week I'll have pics to follow
two New (old) EPs
Just got these two in.. quick cell phone shots. Chronomaster XT was one of my grail watches so I am very happy to have it my next hope is to get a new 2010/2011 piece. I really like the El Primero Captain steel with rg markers or a striking 10th. but I he...
Nice to see the variety ...
... of Zenith"s. And congratulations on the new acquisitions. Andrew
Jobin's masterpiece..
E.J. The first pictures (plus the very last one) are from an early (1950?) cal.135 finished in y.gold, with the peculiar fact that it does show a bi-metal and cut-open balance. Something about which a couple of technicians experienced with Zenith declared...
Great photos
..explaining a variation I didn't know about. Very how the movement evolved over its production run.
Thanks for the detective work ...
Very interesting to hear this history. Beautiful movement shots and watches too. Andrew
Touchy question: would one variation . . .
. . . be more desirable from a collectors viewpoint? There weren't that many cal 135s to begin with, but this early sub-set must be a small fraction of the total . . . cordially, Art
I'll take any..
..cal. 135 you'd care to throw at me, but if I had the luxury of choice, there is a gold one with these applied coffin-shaped hour markers that I would give a kidney for....(picture does not belong to me but to chronograph77 on another forum...
Agreed, and if . . .
. . . it came with a black dial in white gold, I'd throw in a lifetime supply of guacamole to boot!
my small collection
Great news to have Zenith new on board. One of my favourite brands in addition to Vulcain and Minerva. A lot of extremly nice watches I saw over the past days. So attached my small collection... Cheers, biowatch...
All of them classics
..in their own way. Very well thought out. Each of them is a Zenith "heavy," an icon of the type. Cairelli is sublime, as has been established in another thread. Issued or not?
Ah, another serial El Primero fan! Welcome . . .
. . . to the forum, and feel free to join in our upcoming discussions on all matters Zenith . . . cordially, Art
Although always focused on..
and interested in the technical matters, I personnally would not think so Art. Others might turn into eager speculators (limited editions!) as soon as 'rarety' comes into the game. For me it is the total package, look f.i. to Erich's fantastic rhodium fin...
My Zenith Special!
This watch is circa 1930. I was told it was made for the German Luftwaffe. I have close friends whose family perished in the Holocaust but you have to admit, the German military watches were very cool!! This watch is around 40mm in diameter, with a see-th...
Great Zenith Special
I don't think they were made specifically for the German military, although they certainly may have used this style of watch. Many different manufacturers made a watch like this, from small companies like Recta and Helvetia to well known names like Breitl...
The height of optimism . . .
. . . is illustrated in the 1946 catalog with the listing of a bombardier's watch in German . . . hard to believe there were any takers at the time ;-).
These military designs that . . .
. . . are contemporary with the Second World War can understandably lend to conflicted emotions. One wonders if the Swiss watch industry ever marketed the same model to both sides of the conflict . . .
Can you doubt it
...given the Swiss track record in other aspects of commerce during WWII? Prolly best to veer away from this topic.....
IWC
probably spread their watches around to both sides more than any other company. I believe they make pilot's watches for both the German and Allied sides; definitely the b-Uhr 55mm watch for the Luftwaffe and, I believe, certain watches for the English, pe...
My small Zenith collection ...
I hadn't noticed that a Zenith sub-forum had started on here, checking in for the first time today ... Here are a few of mine ......
zenith chronomaster
Greetings to all Here is my contribution from Lisbon PORTUGAL zenith chronomaster xxt open Neo Vintage Millesime 2006 Limited Edition of 100 pieces worldwide this is the ref. 03.1261.4021 in stainless steel black patina best regards...
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