Zenith Chronometer Caliber 135

[orotek]

Hi Respectable Members

A friend of mine intends buying a Zenith Chronometer Caliber 135, either in stainless steel or 18k solid gold.

Kindly advise, as to the potential of this watch as a collectible timepiece and also the approximate price for a piece in top condition.

Some pictures from fellow members who own this item will be much appreciated.

Thanks and regards.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by orotek

Hi Respectable Members

A friend of mine intends buying a Zenith Chronometer Caliber 135, either in stainless steel or 18k solid gold.

Kindly advise, as to the potential of this watch as a collectible timepiece and also the approximate price for a piece in top condition.

Some pictures from fellow members who own this item will be much appreciated.

Thanks and regards.

Well first the Zenith cal 135 I know about is a very fine old movement if I remember introduced late 40s early 50s.And the movement was first built for the Swiss Observatory competitions around 1945 to late 60s.A very accurate and now quite rare in a Zenith watch,I believe the movement was used in other brands of watches as well.Now for the size of movement it uses a very large balance wheel for greater accuracy.Now in the middle 60s when the Japanese started to enter the competition,with mainly the Seiko Grand.That Seiko started to take the prize for a few years running.The test was abandoned after a few of the Swiss brands complained.Then later around 1973 the swiss COSC was founded,but now just purely a money making business.Now as for price well not really sure,but a very collectable great movement and watch

[orotek]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well first the Zenith cal 135 I know about is a very fine old movement if I remember introduced late 40s early 50s.And the movement was first built for the Swiss Observatory competitions around 1945 to late 60s.A very accurate and now quite rare in a Zenith watch,I believe the movement was used in other brands of watches as well.Now for the size of movement it uses a very large balance wheel for greater accuracy.Now in the middle 60s when the Japanese started to enter the competition,with mainly the Seiko Grand.That Seiko started to take the prize for a few years running.The test was abandoned after a few of the Swiss brands complained.Then later around 1973 the swiss COSC was founded,but now just purely a money making business.Now as for price well not really sure,but a very collectable great movement and watch

Hi padi56

Thanks for the response and advice.

I shall relay the contents of which to my friend and I am sure that he has made a good choice. However, getting one may not be easy, in view of its rarity and the fact that the price for Zenith was not as expensive as a Rolex or Patek Philippe. As such, it would have been treated just as a watch for everyday wear and not cherished or treasured as much as the other two big names.

By the way, have you come across one in person?

Thanks and regards.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by orotek

Hi padi56

Thanks for the response and advice.

I shall relay the contents of which to my friend and I am sure that he has made a good choice. However, getting one may not be easy, in view of its rarity and the fact that the price for Zenith was not as expensive as a Rolex or Patek Philippe. As such, it would have been treated just as a watch for everyday wear and not cherished or treasured as much as the other two big names.

By the way, have you come across one in person?

Thanks and regards.

Not seen one for several years now but some say one of the best movements made.Well the movement was certainly equal or better that some of the Swiss brands at the time,and well respected in the vintage world.

[orotek]

Originally Posted by padi56

Not seen one for several years now but some say one of the best movements made.Well the movement was certainly equal or better that some of the Swiss brands at the time,and well respected in the vintage world.

Hi padi56

Thanks for the response.

This friend of mine is now hunting for one. Based on what you have said, definitely it is a collectible piece and unlike some other brand names, the caliber 135 is not easily sighted.

Thanks and regards.

[padi56]

No problem its a great movement one of the best