Zenith Observatory Chronometers – what’s out there?

Hi all,

I’ve been digging into Zenith’s history a bit, especially their achievements in observatory trials at Kew and Neuchâtel. As many of you know, Zenith was among the manufacturers that scored high marks in these competitions—well before the wristwatch era.

I’m curious about a few things and hoping someone here might have some insights:

  • What kind of watches or movements did Zenith submit to these trials?
  • Are there any distinctive features to help identify these pieces…

Zenith Observatory Chronometers – what’s out there?

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Besancon Pocketwatch

Here is a typical pocket watch from Besancon.
Diameter without crown 48 mm and height with glass 12 mm.
Movement number 36027 – roughly from 1929?
Case number 506160 IMPORTÉ DE SUISSE.
Visible movement diameter 38 mm.
What sources do you have regarding the caliber?
I consider Rössler’s book only as a suggestion.
In purely mathematical terms, that would only be 17”’. However, the 18.28.3A, for example, is specified in the data sheet with 39.6 mm – measured behind the retaining ring – and…

Besancon Pocketwatch

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Zenith watches with black dials

Hello everyone,
I’m starting a thread here exclusively about watches with black dials from Zenith (or Georges Favre-Jacot or Billodes, respectively).
The type of watch doesn’t matter. Pocket watches, wristwatches, on-board clocks, etc. are all welcome. I’m interested in all the exotic Zenith watches with black dials.
Incidentally, this also proves that not all watches with black dials were intended for the military, as is often assumed. I’ll start with the watches I’ve been able to…

Zenith watches with black dials

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Zenith Kennedy (Respirator) case dating

I have the watch with this case. Movement number matches 1969, there is engraving by some previous owner on the case back with 1972 and from the factory 212D085. I wonder if 7-68 inside the case means July 1968? I looked into some dating threads but couldn’t find the answer in 30 minutes so I thought I will ask here.

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Besançon Zenith, 1959, papers & box

Hey all,

some years ago, I inherited, as it were, my grandpa’s watch. He was a baker in the town of Thiers in the dead center of France. It seems that on Christmas 1959, he wanted to treat himself, and he purchased a gold (plated?) Zenith from his local jewelry store.

I’ve had it for some years, but am now more interested in the exact details pertaining to the watch. From this great forum, and a few others, I gather that this watch, with case serial #91533 and movement serial # 622631, is…

Besançon Zenith, 1959, papers & box

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