Zenith Thoughts?

[jljl123]

Hey guys, any thoughts on this Zenith time-only? I have much respect for the brand and I'm considering buying this. Thank you in advance for your expertise.









Is the dial too good to be true?

What movement is this? Cal 40?


Thanks!

 

[StrutlessWonder]

Something about the minute dial hash marks looks off.
Right side markers are near the edge of the dial, but left side marks are one groove in.
12 o'clock hash looks a bit dark, and 7 o'clock has an odd position (raised?) and seems slightly too close to the 6 o'clock hash. But these might be optical illusions, esp since the minute hand is covering the 8 o'clock hash mark.
Just my two cents. Interested in other opinions, as I'm always learning.

 

[Modest_Proposal]

I'm not sure I see any of the things you're talking about. The minute markers look uniform in placement and depth, etc.

 

[StrutlessWonder]

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I meant sub-dial hash marks. My apologies.
See attached photo.

 

[marturx]

A Zenith 18k with the hallmarks on the outside??

And you are discussing the dial??

Get out of here

 

[Stewart H]

marturx

A Zenith 18k with the hallmarks on the outside??

And you are discussing the dial??

Get out of here

Try also doing some research on Zenith case serial numbers and see if this one fits in with the numbering system.

 

[StrutlessWonder]

I am not worthy!

 

[marturx]

You'll get there, don't worry

 

[jljl123]

StrutlessWonder thanks for noting that about the dial. I did however find the Zenith below which also seems to have a similar issue and I would think is unlikely to have been redialed given its even patina?

The markers at 2 and 3 o'clock of the seconds sub dial don't appear to go all the way out to the edge either.

However, the issue of the caseback markings does seem to be significant? I have seen Zeniths with a 6-digit serial number on the outside of the caseback but the original one I posted has only 4 digits. Is it possible that's because it's in rose gold versus the yellow gold I've exclusively seen in other similar models?

I did find the Orologi & Passioni movement serial number list (both watches are from the early 50's according to that list) but I can't find anything about cases. I would greatly appreciate any more help about caseback serials!!!

Edited: Jan 28, 2017

 

[StrutlessWonder]

I agree that second one you found has a nice dial patina.
Older redial? Two dents to the left of the number 6, and 5 o'clock sub-dial hash mark goes up over the step up onto the dial face?

But what do I know - I have so much to learn.
Still a beautiful watch.