Need some help: Zenith SPECIAL watch - Military?

[Speedy71]

Hi all, do you have some information about this Zenith SPECIAL? Early and very nice example. Thanks! BR Thomas

 

[gatorcpa]

Here is some information you might be interested in:

http://ninanet.net/watches/others10/Mediums/mzenithmil.html

Take care,
gatorcpa

 

[LouS]

It is not typical in many respects, but I am not well enough versed in these to comment definitively. The dial is an unusual pattern (the one in the ninanet link is far more characteristic), and the case is crisper than any case I have ever seen on pilot watches of this vintage from any manufacturer. Would be interested in reviewing images of the movement within. There ought to be a glass movement cover as well.

 

[Speedy71]

Thanks a lot. Please see some pics of (glass) movement and case back. Does anyone has a clue about the value? Thanks Thomas

 

[Stewart H]

The movement number puts it at somewhere round 1940 - 1942. The thing that gets me is the word "Special" on the dial - it just doesn't sound right coming from a respected manufacture.

 

[LouS]

Movement and glass cover look OK. I will check case markings against my image library when I get home.

Stewart H

The movement number puts it at somewhere round 1940 - 1942. The thing that gets me is the word "Special" on the dial - it just doesn't sound right coming from a respected manufacture.

Lots of precedent for that, Stewart. Roessler has a two page spread on these watches.

 

[Speedy71]

Thanks, would be interesting to get more information. BR Thomas

 

[Alpha]

Some more info/images
http://www.mwrforum.net/forums/showthread.php?p=106345&highlight=zenith+special

 

[John Chris]

Zenith displayed the word "SPECIAL" on its Pilot watches from the 1920s right up to the current Montre d'Aeronef, even using "EXTRA SPECIAL" on the cal. 15-1 Zenith 1A (1938). Dials very similar to Speedy's are illustrated on p. 132 of Roessler.

 

[mojothewolf]

Love this watch. Dribble dribble dribble....

 

[CdnWatchDoc]

mojothewolf

Dribble dribble dribble....

We need a drool emoticon!! Beauty of a piece-How big is that case? The crown looks typical of older pilot models

 

[ulackfocus]

CdnWatchDoc

We need a drool emoticon!!

Like so?

 

[CdnWatchDoc]

U ulackfocus

Like so?

Perfect!! Did I miss it in our collection ?
So Mr Moderator...please add it in.

 

[ulackfocus]

No, it's not currently among the options - but Trev can handle that if he's so inclined.