1970s Near NOS Zenith Defy Automatic 02.0440.456-460
Ref: 02.0440.456-460
Specification
Lugs : 25mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : Box
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Month NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold with its original Zenith box, and swing tag but no Zenith paperwork. The watch comes paired with its original 25mm brushed stainless steel Zenith signed integrated bracelet with a signed folding clasp. The watch is from Circa. 1970s and is in NOS condition as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
The Watch
Here we have a quintessential 1970s Near NOS Zenith Defy Automatic 02.0440.456-460, the square 32mm case has brushed stainless steel surfaces with attractive polished chamfered edges that transition with crisp lines. Screwed-in lugs with a lug-to-lug length of 35mm and a case thickness of 10.5mm ensure a comfortable fit on your wrist. On the right side, is a signed screw-down crown, a square crystal sits slightly raised above the case and the black dial, an outer minute track has applied indexes with chamfered edges and infilled with luminance that plays with the light as you rotate your wrist, at 3 o’clock a framed date window, baton hands with chamfered edges infilled with luminance complemented by a red sweeping second-hand completes this unapologetically 1970s watch. On the reverse with a brushed and polished case back, inside an automatic Zenith Cal. 45.6, 17 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour based on the ETA 2872 movement. The watch comes fitted on its original 25mm brushed stainless steel bracelet with a fine taper that flows over your wrist for a comfortable fit and a signed folding clasp and the watch comes with its Zenith presentation box and swing tag.
Personal Note
I have been fortunate to have purchased and sold many incredible vintage Zeniths over the years, just head over to the "Sold" section of the website and filter to Zenith to see! This is easily one of the best... The case shape, fit on the wrist, bracelet construction, dial... I could truly go on, this is a fantastic example and one I was fortunate to have owned personally for a short while, now this is your chance to add this gem to your collection!
The Brand
Zenith was founded in 1865 by 22-year-old watchmaker Georges Favre-Jacot. Their manufacturing was based in Le Locle Switzerland. Famous 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 still produce their in-house movements. Their most recognised movement is the El Primero; it was released in 1969, went into production in 1975 and was re-issued in 1986.