ZENITH CHRONOMETRE STEEL 1950S

Brand

Model

Case material

Diameter

Lug width

Caseback

Dial

Crystal

Crown

Movement

Movement number

Strap

Condition

Description

Zenith

Chronometre

Stainless steel

36 mm

18 mm

Screw-down, original, numbered

Silver sunburst with applied indexes and small seconds at 6 o’clock

Plexiglass

Original Zenith with star logo

Zenith Calibre 135, manual wind, 19 jewels

4743894

Leather

Excellent overall, full case, clean dial, well-preserved movement

Introduced in 1948 at the height of the Observatory competitions, the Zenith Chronometre Calibre 135 is regarded as one of the finest and most precise movements ever produced. Designed by Ephrem Jobin with innovative technical solutions, including an oversized balance wheel, an optimized escapement and an off-center barrel, it established new standards of chronometric excellence. Between 1950 and 1954 the Calibre 135 won five consecutive Neuchâtel Observatory prizes and accumulated around two hundred official awards, more than two thirds of which were first prizes — unmatched by any other wristwatch movement. This example features a rare 36 mm stainless-steel case with screw-down back. The silver sunburst dial is exceptionally well preserved, displaying applied indexes, small seconds at 6 o’clock and refined leaf hands. The original Zenith crown with star confirms the authenticity and coherence of the piece. The Calibre 135 remains a landmark in the history of precision watchmaking and a masterpiece of postwar mechanical engineering — an iconic and highly desirable watch for any serious vintage collector.