[Tako Yaki]

Hi there,

Apologies to sneak in here directly with a beginner question!

I am a member for a while, but mostly in the Omega chapter, though mostly just reading.

I came across an oval watch, sub second, manual wind, face say Zenith. Seller say it's from 1973 and a 2511 cal.
I like the 1970s style of it, but I'm not sure it's legit!
I searched the forum, googled but couldn't find any other example than this one, therefore am a bit sceptical, to say the least!
Still, I like 1970s odd style watches...

May Someone of Your experienced Zenith members can help me?

I do have vintage/classic Omega, Heuer, Breitling, Longines, ect., but sadly no idea about Zenith up until now!

Thank You very much for Your kind help!

best regards,
Tako

 

[Tako Yaki]

Hello again,
here's another picture of the inner.

Thank You very much!

Greetings,
Tako

 

[Black5]

Looks like a correct for Zenith 2511 manual wind movement, although I think this would date it a little earlier than 70’s?

I’m not sure how long these movements were in use, but they were around from the late 50’s, early 60’s…


SoOoO many watches SoOoO little time...

 

[Tako Yaki]

Thanks Black5!

Yeah, that’s what I thought, the 2511 is from 1958 on, from what I found in the net!
But Number 76xxxx Saus 1973.
I wonder at that time if they used „leftovers“ from the last decade, they may would have used it for simple dress style watches...?!

Also, the engraving says only „Zenith“ no „Swiss“, further the engraving is not gold coated....

And some more things that let me wonder, but as I said, I’ve no idea about Zenith!

Maybe someone here can bring some light in, please ?

It would be really appreciated! Moin

Thank You very much!

Greetings,
Tako

 

[Longjean]

Inside caseback no Zenith with struck through “z” and no number Outside.
Movement No. only six digits.
No Swiss on the movement.
This movement was used in Zenith’s French factory.

Does it have Swiss Made on dial?

? Made in Besancon France ?
Let us see what the experts say.

 

[Tako Yaki]

Hi Longjean,

thank You very much!
I searched and searched but did not find any same model on the net!
Maybe it’s a Zenith caliber and a other producers watch case...?!
So as a Vintage car it would
be called a „Special“...?! Lol!
Or even the caliber is also not Zenith...?!
so .... “very special “ ..?!
Lol!

Thank You very much for Your input!

Best regards,
Tako

 

[Hartmut Richter]

I think that this one is so rare that it is even unique. Which means: cobbled together from parts (aka: frankenised)!!!

The movement definitely doesn't fit the watch: Cal. 2511 from the early sixties vs. the style of watch from the seventies and the logo (square "inverted star") definitely post 1972. On top of that, the black/white rehaut and the blue dial with red markings, all garnished by a golden (brass?) separating ring and set distinctly lower than the rehaut just screams "hotchpotch" to me. I suspect that the original movement may have been an automatic which is thicker and doesn't need that brass ring to make up the height difference.

My verdict: avoid!

Hartmut Richter

 

[Tako Yaki]

Thank You very much, Hartmut Richter for Your detailed insights! Great!


You all opened up my eyes!
I owe You a big thank You very much!

I was dazzled by this unusual 70s oval Zeitgeist design of the case!
Made me blind, like a not too beautiful girl moving her hips slightly too much, just a bit too close to you to be accidental!
Lol!

Again, Gentlemen, thanks for Your valuable advise!

Best regards,
Tako

 

[joshd2012]

That case looks a lot like this vintage Bulova:

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/4b4AAOSw64Zdsizu/s-l400.jpg

I would agree that it likely a frankenwatch

 

[Tako Yaki]

Thanks joshd2012!

Yes, U r right! 👍
Great find!
It looks quite exactly like that Bulova watch, accept for the face bezel color!
So a Bulova-Zenith-special...!
Lol!

Thank You very much!

Greetings,
Tako