This is a beautiful Zenith chronometer from 1954, it's powered by the legendary Zenith calibre 135 movement which is widely considered to be the most elegant manual wind movement ever made. The watch is a classic in understated elegance - the stainless steel case is well proportioned and a good size at 37mm. The silvered dial is pristine with bold faceted markers and a wonderfully clear overall appearance. The watch has the original signed Zenith crown. The Zenith 135 movement was designed to compete in the Neuchâtel Observatory competitions for precision time keepers, the rules stipulated a maximum movement diameter of 30mm and height of 5mm. To maximise the performance within these constraints, Ephrem Jobin the designer sought to incorporate the largest possible balance wheel (all other things being equal a larger balance will perform more accurately). The large balance is clear in the images of the movement - it occupies nearly half the width of the movement. The movement was a triumph for Zenith, it won an unprecedented five consecutive Neuchâtel Observatory chronometry prizes from 1950 to 1954. In all, the movement garnered about 200 honors, two-thirds of which were first prizes. There is an excellent article on the development of the cal 135 hereThe movement has been fully serviced and regulated, the performance, even after 50 years is superb. The case has been ultrasonically cleaned, but like all our vintage watches we have left it unpolished. It is supplied with a new Hirsch leather strap. This is a very fine watch and will bring many years of happiness and pride to the owner. Case diameter (excluding winding crown): 37mmCase material: Stainless steelstrap width: 18mmtime keeping: grade A+
