Why This Watch Matters There's just something about these classically designed and minimal 1960s chronographs, with a reverse panda dial, this example is a real winner. The Full Story Zodiac was founded in 1882 by Ariste Calame in Le Locle, Switzerland, and in 1908, the Zodiac brand was patented. In 1953, the company launched the Sea Wolf. Along with the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and Rolex Submariner, Zodiac made some of the earliest commercially available dive watches. As a result, Zodiac divers were the choice of many soldiers who went to Vietnam in the '60s. Today, Zodiac draws a lot of inspiration from its vintage watches when designing new models. While the Sea Wolf was Zodiac's bread and butter, the brand aimed to offer their own option to other major portions of the mid-century wristwatch market. This Zodiac has all the elements of a great, function-forward 1960s chronograph, with a wearable 36mm diameter. The dial is executed in a reverse panda style, with engine turned registers, legible matchstick hands, and a pop of color in a red central seconds hand. These Zodiac chronographs from the 1960s are often referred to as a "poor man's" Heuer Carrera, due to their shared resemblance to Heuer chronographs of that era. Heuer actually made watches for a other companies including Cleabar, Zodiac, Hamilton, and others. Zodiac was one of a few companies at the time that offered similar but more economical options compared to the highly recognizable Heuer classic. Sure, there are shared design cues and the look is close but this group of chronographs speaks more about the watch that this particular market demanded in this era rather than unoriginality by watch companies. The market who was in need of a highly legible, simple, and reliable chronograph demanded this watch so many companies followed suit in offering a version of their own. We paired this Zodiac with our Black Racing Strap to help capture the automotive spirit of this 1960s chronograph. The Fine Print Maker: Zodiac by HeuerModel: ChronographReference: 73321Year: 1960sCase No: 236852 (inside caseback 591883) Material: Chrome plated with a stainless steel backDimensions: 36mmCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Zodiac signed Valjoux, manually-wound, caliber 7733Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Black Leather Rallye Watch StrapLug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Reverse Panda dial motif- Red chronograph hand- Great 36mm case size Things To Know: - Scratches on case- Sub dials have some wear This Zodiac is in overall nice, honest condition. The case is strong with some light scratches and wear around the edges. The chrome plate is overall in good condition. The rear of the lugs show some scratches from strap removal and placement over the years. The dial is in great condition and clean with a light patina. The sub-dials have developed a light patina as well. The area around the Zodiac text is a bit darker black than the rest of the dial. The sub dials have some wear with a drag line around the edges. The hour markers and hands have developed some patina. The lume on the dial is slightly lighter than the lume on the hands. The lume on the dial shows normal signs of minor degradation. The crystal has some light scratches. The dial, case, and movement are all signed by Zodiac. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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