1970 Zenith XL-Tronic Electronic Blue Dial 01-0010-505
Ref: 01-0010-505

Specification

Points of Mention

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Zenith box or Zenith paperwork. The watch comes paired with a 20mm suede strap. The watch is from Circa. 1970 and is in worn, vintage condition, as you can see in the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The Watch

Zenith was founded in 1865 by 22-year-old watchmaker Georges Favre-Jacot. Their manufacturing was based in Le Locle Switzerland. Famously Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, who was the first person to reach the South Pole in 1911 and the North Pole in 1926, wore Zenith watches on his expeditions. In 1999 Zenith was purchased by LVMH  (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) joining brands like TAG and Hublot. Zenith is one of the only Swiss manufacturers to produce their own in-house movements still. Their most recognised movement is the El Primero it was released in 1969, went into production in 1975 and was re-issued in 1986.

Here we have a 1970 Zenith XL-Tronic Electronic 01-0010-505 with its 37.5mm tonneau stainless steel case that has brushed and chamfered polished sides that curve in all the right places. The case slopes over the lugs and is unapologetically 1970s in design and function. The 43mm lug-to-lug length and a case thickness of 11mm ensure a comfortable fit on the wrist. The flat square crystal protects a dark blue dial with vertical lines running across it. Applied steel baton indexes mark the hours. At 3 o’clock a framed day/date window. Slim baton hands are complemented by a tapered sweeping second hand. On the reverse a screwed-down case back. Inside an Electronic Zenith Cal. 50.0 tuning fork movement based on ESA 9162. It has a quick set date and hacking with a sweeping seconds hand. The watch comes fitted on a 20mm blue suede strap.

Personal Note

We've had and sold a few Zenith XL-Tronic in the past and all have been insane 1970s design and bold, both in size and colours, this reference is no exception. Just back from a service you can purchase with confidence knowing you're getting a great electronic watch, but do be warned these movements can be tricky and as time goes on parts and becoming less and less available as are the watchmakers with the know-how to work on them. So purchase this as something fun and historic in the world of watches!