1960s Zenith Zenitissimo Gold Filled Square 27.5x33.5mm 4002 HU

Here we have a rarely seen 1960s Zenith Zenitissimo Gold-Filled Square 27.5x33.5mm 4002 HU with a sculpted 27.5mm Gold-Filled Tonneau-shaped multi-faceted case that sits on your wrist with flat-ended lugs. Chamfered angled sides create an attractive profile, leading to a lug-to-lug length of 33.5mm and a case thickness of just 6.5mm, ensuring a comfortable fit. On the right side, a signed crown with the Zenith four-point star and a square thick “Box” crystal provides an open window looking onto an opulent two-tone champagne and silver dial. The brushed silver raised chapter ring has elegant Roman numerals in contrasting black to mark the hours; two elegant slim baton hands painted black complete this sophisticated, understated dress watch. At 12 o’clock, we have the Zenith motif and Zenitissimo at 6 o’clock. On the reverse, a snap-off brushed stainless steel case back with its serial number engraved inside a manually wound Zenith Cal. 1730, 17 jewels, beating at 21,600 beats per hour; this movement dates from 1968. The watch comes paired with a well-suited vintage-style 18mm leather strap and is secured by its original gold-toned signed pin buckle.

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and, therefore, comes with no Zenith box or Zenith paperwork. It comes paired with a well-suited vintage-style 18mm leather strap and is secured by its original gold-toned signed pin buckle. The watch is from Circa 1960s and is in worn vintage condition, with light signs of age-related wear across the watch, as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

One from the personal collection. So many regrets already building up as I type this out, so just put me out of my misery and buy it! This 1960s Zenith is from the coolest sounding range they have made, the "Zenitissimo", it sounds like it could almost be a fancy coffee shop, though if you were to go to a fancy coffee shop, you would want the Zenitissimo on your wrist whilst drinking a perfectly made Cortado... Yes, I have gotten a bit carried away with this personal note, and yes, maybe I am describing what I do while wearing this watch... Now I need a Cortado and to maybe keep the watch!

Reference : 4002 HU
Movement : Manually Wound Zenith Cal. 1730
Age : Circa. 1960s
Year : Circa. 1960s
Case Size : 27.5mm
Case Thickness : 6.5mm
Lug to Lug : 33.5mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : None
Case Material : Gold-Plated
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.