Product Information

ZENITH 18K GOLD CHRONOMETER RARE CALIBRE 135

19 JEWELS WITH MICROMETER REGULATOR. LARGE SIZE WRISTWATCH.

Observatory testing and competitions
Chronometer competitions began in Neuchatel in 1866, and Geneva in 1873, and ended in Neuchatel in 1975, and Geneva in 1967; for wristwatches, competitions ran from 1945 through 1967. Manufacturers would submit one or several specially prepared watches for competition, sometimes the same one(s) for many years running, and these were never meant for sale. The purpose of these tests was to spur competition and innovation, disseminate technical information and discoveries to advance chronometer research, and of course to provide publicity and acclaim for the manufacturer in selling their more ordinary watches.

Competitors works were grouped by size ranging from category A (43-70mm), through C (under 38mm). In 1944, category D was added to accommodate wristwatches, that being those under 30mm diameter, or 707 square mm for formed movements. Prior to being allowed to compete, entrants were tested, and those meeting the rigorous standards were awarded the certification, and were eligible for actual competition. Testing took 44 days, encompassing 5 positions, 3 temperatures and 9 periods of from 1 to 5 days. Ten wristwatches were submitted in 1945, and 8 received certificates; the peak was reached in 1964 when 152 watches were certified, and decreased to 88 by the last year of competition (1967). All in all, to receive certification a watch had to meet or surpass standards in 11 categories, ranging from "mean rate variation, each period" (1.5 seconds) through "mean rate variation with respect to position change" (3 seconds). During the entire 23 years of testing, 5093 wristwatches were submitted for certification, and only 3253 were passed, about 64%. Just a few manufacturers participated, and only Omega and Patek did so every year. The others were: Rolex, Zenith, Longines, Movado, Vacheron & Constantin, Ulysse Nardin, Cyma and Favre-Leuba, along with numerous independent professional watchmakers.

This particular zenith is an impressive size larger then the standard watch of its period. Mechanical manual wind chronometer movement with over sized balance wheel, jewelled to the center (19 jewel) with micrometer adjustment to the balance. This is a must have for any vintage collector or the individual who demands quality and Swiss precision. x3 piece solid 18k hallmarked case. fully signed zenith.   Zenith crown and a quality fitted leather strap.

REF:  ZENCHR18K835  £

REF:  ZENCHR18K835  £

Price: POA

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