Why This Watch Matters Glorious indeed. 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. Before the Sea Wolf, Zodiac experienced a period of success in creating highly usable yet attractively designed wristwatches at a lower-than-one-would-expect price. There were many brands hitting this growing segment of the market but few did it as well as Zodiac. A near-perfect example of that high usability and considered design is the textured-dialed Glorious we have here. Notable here is the screw-down caseback for added water resistance. While the dial details present as that of a dress watch, the case construction allows the watch to play the role of a daily "beater." The execution is off an extremely high level as well. From the dial surface to the applied hour markers and clean layout, every step of the way this Zodiac impresses. We paired this Zodiac with our Bedford suede watch strap in olive to create a versatile, everyday wear look. The Fine Print Maker: ZodiacModel: GloriousReference: 696Year: 1960sCase No: N/AMaterial: Stainless steelDimensions: 34.15mm diameter; 10.75mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: NoneCaliber: Zodiac, self-winding, caliber 1624Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Bedford Suede Watch Strap In Olive GreenLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: Textured dial surface Faceted hour markers Screw-down caseback Things To Know: Light scratches on case Even patina on dial This Zodiac is in excellent condition. The case is strong with scratches and light nicks. The interiors of both sets of lugs have some scratches. The caseback has a few scratches and shows signs of being opened. The dial and hands are in great condition with the pronounced texture retained on the dial. The hands and hour markers have developed patina. The lume on the dial has developed patina and aged to a generally dark patina and shows some signs of degradation. The lume on the hands have worn off over the years. The crystal has light scratches. The dial, case, and movement are all signed by Zodiac. The crown is unsigned although of the correct shape for this period. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
