1950s Zenith 'Oversized' Manual Cal. 126 Steel 36mm

Here we have a great example of a 1950s Zenith 'Oversized' Manual Cal. 126, featuring an oversized, for the time, 36mm stainless steel round case that gently curves over your wrist with finely tapered lugs. A lug-to-lug length of 45mm and a case thickness of just 8mm ensure a comfortable fit. A slim coin-edged crown is on the right side. The smooth bezel holds a domed crystal above a striking silver “Calatrava” dial. An outer minute track surrounds applied facet-edged gold-toned indexes and Arabic numerals that catch the light perfectly as you rotate your wrist. Elegant Dauphine hands are complemented by a recessed running seconds at 6 o’clock, and at noon, we have the applied Zenith star motif completing this stunning, beautifully balanced vintage dress watch. On the reverse, a snap-off solid case back engraved with its reference number, inside a manually wound Zenith Cal. 126, 15 jewels, beating at a leisurely 18,000 beats per hour. It is paired with a well-suited vintage-style 18mm brown leather strap.

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original box or paperwork. It is paired with a well-suited vintage-style 18mm brown leather strap. The watch is from Circa. 1950s and is sold in worn vintage condition, with a lovely patina. Overall, it is in very fair condition for its age, as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months Non-Waterproof Warranty.

Whenever a nice vintage Zenith comes my way, I will always try to buy it, especially as the value for money in them is still grossly underappreciated in today's market. This 1950s Zenith 'Oversized' Calatrava features a nice, sharp 36mm case, patina on the dial adding character and can all be had for under £500. Snap this vintage gem up and add it to your collection today!

Reference : 9211676
Movement : Manually Wound Zenith Cal. 126
Age : Circa. 1950s
Year : Circa. 1950s
Case Size : 36mm
Case Thickness : 8mm
Lug to Lug : 45mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Zenith was established in 1865 by the ambitious 22-year-old watchmaking prodigy Georges Favre-Jacot. The company established its manufacturing base in Le Locle, a picturesque town in the Swiss Jura Mountains known for its rich horological heritage. The brand gained international recognition in 1909 when the pioneering French aviator Louis Blériot wore a Zenith watch during his historic flight across the English Channel, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. Zenith's watches have adorned the wrists of remarkable adventurers, including the legendary Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. He made history by being the first person to reach both the South Pole in 1911 and the North Pole in 1926. As the company approached its centennial celebration in 1965, Zenith’s designers sought to confront the most challenging technological hurdle facing the watch industry: the creation of a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement. Their efforts culminated in the development of the legendary El Primero movement, which was released in 1969. The El Primero, known for its high-frequency escapement and remarkable accuracy, went into production in 1975 and saw a re-issue in 1986. However, the 1960s were turbulent for Zenith due to ongoing litigation regarding naming rights. To navigate through these challenges, the Zenith watch company merged in 1968 with Movado, another respected Swiss brand. This strategic alliance allowed Zenith to leverage Movado’s extensive distribution networks in the United States and stabilise its presence in the market. In 1971, the Zenith Radio Company, which had previously been in conflict with its Swiss counterpart, opted to buy Zenith Watch Company, effectively uniting two entities under the same brand during a challenging period known as the Quartz Crisis. In 1975, Zenith's leadership made the drastic decision to transition entirely to quartz watch production, marking a significant shift in their manufacturing philosophy. This included the controversial decision to destroy all mechanical watch components and blueprints, including those related to the historical El Primero movement. However, thanks to the courageous actions of Charles Vermot, a senior engineer in Zenith’s movement-making department, the company's rich mechanical heritage was saved. Together with a small group of loyal colleagues, Vermot secretly hid the El Primero blueprints and parts in a concealed attic at the factory, preserving them for potential future use amidst the pervasive quartz trend. Vermot’s foresight bore fruit in the 1980s as the market shifted back toward mechanical watches. Prominent brands like Ebel and Rolex reintroduced mechanical chronograph styles, paving the way for Zenith’s revival. The carefully safeguarded El Primero re-emerged as the driving force behind Rolex's hugely successful Daytona series. In 1978, Zenith was acquired from Zenith Radio Company, which is now part of LG Electronics, by Dixi, a company specialising in machine tools based in Le Locle. This transition marked a new chapter for Zenith, which began reintroducing its El Primero-equipped chronograph watches to meet the rising demand for high-end mechanical timepieces. In 1999, Zenith became part of the prestigious LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) group, aligning itself with other luxury brands such as TAG Heuer and Hublot. Even today, Zenith stands out as one of the few Swiss manufacturers that not only produces mechanical watches but also crafts its own movements.