Zenith Sporto Check

[westmtn]

I'm not too familiar with these. Does anyone spot any problems? Apparently 35mm. Thanks.

 

[Stewart H]

It has a Cal 40 movement which is a good point but this one is definitely in need of a service. That would back up a case size of 34 to 35 mm.

It is missing the plastic dust cover that was a characteristic of the Sporto range - good luck with finding one of those.

The thing that makes me feel uneasy is the lack of "SWISS" immediately below the minute chapter at 6 O'clock. Having said that, the fonts look to be correct as do the shapes of the numerals.

 

[DirtyDozen12]

Stewart H

It has a Cal 40 movement which is a good point but this one is definitely in need of a service. That would back up a case size of 34 to 35 mm.

It is missing the plastic dust cover that was a characteristic of the Sporto range - good luck with finding one of those.

The thing that makes me feel uneasy is the lack of "SWISS" immediately below the minute chapter at 6 O'clock. Having said that, the fonts look to be correct as do the shapes of the numerals.

Would you expect the subdial to be guilloched?

Also, non-luminous hands with a luminous dial. Is that normal?

Edited: Dec 6, 2016

 

[Tony C.]

The main problem is that it is not on my wrist.

 

[westmtn]

Stewart H

It has a Cal 40 movement which is a good point but this one is definitely in need of a service. That would back up a case size of 34 to 35 mm.

It is missing the plastic dust cover that was a characteristic of the Sporto range - good luck with finding one of those.

The thing that makes me feel uneasy is the lack of "SWISS" immediately below the minute chapter at 6 O'clock. Having said that, the fonts look to be correct as do the shapes of the numerals.

My thoughts exactly. The lack of SWISS bothered me as well though I have seen similar dials without it. For example:




For what it's worth this watch also comes with an authentic buckle.

 

[Stewart H]

DirtyDozen12

Would you expect the subdial to be guilloched?

Also, non-luminous hands with a luminous dial. Is that normal?

Both valid points. I can't really make out (on my iPad mini) if there is any radial pattern on the sub-dial but these often came with skeletised numerals that were not intended to be luminous so the hands could be correct and if it has been redialled, that could account for both inconsistencies.

 

[DirtyDozen12]

Stewart H

Both valid points. I can't really make out (on my iPad mini) if there is any radial pattern on the sub-dial but these often came with skeletised numerals that were not intended to be luminous so the hands could be correct and if it has been redialled, that could account for both inconsistencies.

Appreciate the response. I would have expected a cleaner movement given the condition of the dial. The texture is not to my liking either but I have a poor track record when it comes to Zenith dials.

Edited: Dec 6, 2016

 

[westmtn]

Does the movement look worn or is it just showing it's age? It could have been sitting with a loose caseback for a number of years and developed some corrosion. I don't see any watchmaker markings on the caseback.

After looking at a number of examples I'm thinking the dial has to be original. If it's a redial it's a damn good one. There are examples with and without the radial subdial and the SWISS font. I'll grant you the hands are strange. I would think they would be lumed and most examples with the military dials do have lumed hands. I can't find another example with this exact case but the case, crown, and dial condition do match.

I'm suspecting a hand change and nothing more but would love to hear some more opinions.

Examples:

 

[westmtn]

I've been told that my watch (from the first post) is pictured in the Rössler book on pg. 144. If anyone has a copy would they mind posting it up? It would be much appreciated. Thanks OF.