Zenith c.1920 18ct Gold Hunter Chronograph Pocket Watch 107g Rare Racing Dial
Rare Zenith c.1920 18ct Gold Hunter Chronograph Pocket Watch 107g With Rare Racing Dial
An exceptional and highly unusual antique Zenith chronograph pocket watch, dating to approximately 1920 and housed in a substantial solid 18ct gold full hunter case.
The watch is fitted with a remarkable multi colour enamel racing dial, making this a particularly striking example of early Zenith sporting and chronograph watchmaking.
Movement serial number: 2,379,192.
The substantial 18ct gold hunter case measures approximately 50.4mm across and the complete watch weighs approximately 107 grams.
Dial
The white enamel dial features an unusually complex series of outer chapter rings with gold, green, red and black calibrations.
Across the upper section of the dial is the French inscription:
"CALCULÉ PAR 1000 MÈTRES DE DISTANCE"
The dial incorporates a chapter ring graduated into fifths of seconds together with a red inner 24 hour chapter ring.
Two subsidiary registers are positioned at approximately 3 and 9 o'clock, including subsidiary seconds and a 30 second chronograph register.
The multi colour timing scales create an exceptionally attractive racing dial and give the watch a distinctive early sporting character.
Large black Arabic numerals provide excellent contrast against the white enamel surface, while the dial is signed ZENITH beneath 12 o'clock.
The dial presents in exceptionally fine condition.
Case
The watch is housed in a substantial solid 18ct gold full hunter case with hinged front cover, rear cover and inner cuvette.
The case retains its attractive period form with a large fluted crown and bow.
As expected with an antique gold pocket watch, the external surfaces show light scratches and general age related handling marks.
Movement
Opening the rear covers reveals the impressive Zenith manual wind mechanical chronograph movement.
The movement is beautifully finished with gilt plates, jewelled bearings and polished steel chronograph components.
Movement serial number: 2,379,192.
The serial number places production at approximately c.1920.
Specifications
Maker: Zenith
Date: Circa 1920
Movement Serial: 2,379,192
Case Material: Solid 18ct gold
Case Style: Full hunter
Case Diameter: Approx. 50.4mm
Total Weight: Approx. 107 grams
Dial: White enamel multi colour racing dial
Numerals: Black Arabic numerals
Additional Dial: Red 24 hour chapter ring
Chronograph Scale: Multi colour outer timing scales calculated per 1000 metres
Registers: Subsidiary seconds and 30 second chronograph register
Movement: Zenith manual wind mechanical chronograph
Functions: Hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds and chronograph
Condition
The watch presents extremely well for its age. Just serviced.
The enamel dial is particularly impressive and remains in excellent condition.
The 18ct gold case displays normal surface scratches and handling marks consistent with age and use.
Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and provide the best indication of overall condition.
Collector Interest
What makes this example especially desirable is the combination of its substantial 18ct gold hunter case, early Zenith chronograph movement and elaborate multi colour racing dial.
Complex sporting and racing dials of this type are significantly less commonly encountered than standard Zenith pocket watch dials and give this watch considerable visual and historical interest.
At approximately 107 grams and 50.4mm in diameter, it is also an impressive and substantial piece in the hand.
A superb early Zenith chronograph and an outstanding addition to an advanced pocket watch, chronograph or sporting timepiece collection.
Every watch offered by Harrington & Co is carefully inspected for authenticity and condition. We have been trusted by collectors worldwide for over two decades and pride ourselves on offering quality timepieces backed by accurate descriptions, professional photography and secure worldwide shipping.
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