Hello All, this is my only Swiss pocketwatch which I know not a thing about. If someone would kindly tell me what year it was made and any other history I would be greatly appreciate it. I took a bunch of pictures, and for size comparison I placed it next to a Hamilton 946 to show it is equal to an 18s RR watch. I don't believe the watch was ever used aside from people opening it to look at the movement. The case is solid 14k, hallmarked Zenith and simply put one of the nicest made cases I have ever seen. There are no jewelers inscriptions on any of the three covers and no jewelers slips or marks on the movement. When the case covers are closed it is near impossible to see the seems and the cover edges are as sharp as a razor blade. With the movement, bezel, crown and crystal removed the case alone weighs 50 penny weight / 2.5 oz. The crown is 14k and without wear as is the bow, the bulls eye pattern front and back has never been polished and shows zero wear. The dial is double sunk and without hairlines or chips and the hands are mint. The movement sn is 1563174 (year ?)and is mint, not a mark on the movement. The balance is perfectly true in the flat and round and has fantastic motion, and keeps RR time to boot. It is stem set and stem wind. let me know what ya think.
Posts: 311 | Location: New Jersey in the USA | Registered: February 13, 2011
Joseph that is a stunning watch! I know Zenith was quite common on the Turkish and Balkan railroads but I do not think I have seen one as nice as yours! Perhaps 18 jewels as my guess. Obviously a high grade piece and you are a fortunate man to own it. Regards.
Deacon
Posts: 1004 | Location: Omaha, Nebraska in the USA | Registered: February 14, 2009
Thanks Mark, Thanks Rich, aside from what is written on the winding wheels Pat 1904 I don't have any Zenith records to date the watch. Yup, got it from the same "old man", I just happened to be in the right spot at the right time that day. I'm sure someone else would have grabbed it up in short order. The covers of the watch (including the dust cover) are so thick they could stop a bullet. Even though they are that thick I have not worn the watch because I'm afraid I may walk into something and give the watch its first dent, in which case I would pass out and wind up giving the watch a second dent when I hit the floor... glad you liked my Zenith / 946 comparo regards, Joe
Posts: 311 | Location: New Jersey in the USA | Registered: February 13, 2011
Thanks Gents, To touch on Rich's comment, the gentleman I purchased it from got it from a 60yr old Russian man who said it has been in families "safe" for 100+ yrs in Russia. I've been looking real hard at Zenith wacthes since I purchased this watch and have yet to see anything even remotely close to it, size or condition wise. It was definately cheerished by the original owners. regards Joe
Posts: 311 | Location: New Jersey in the USA | Registered: February 13, 2011
