| Author | Message | ||
     Marcello New member Username: Marcello Post Number: 1 Registered: 01-2009 Rating: N/A |
HI. I inherited this vintage Zenith Watch. I believe it is from the 1940's or 50's and is an aviator watch. The diameter of the face is about 45 mm and the material is steel (or some kind of metal...I do not believe it is a precious metal). The number (?serial number?) on the back is 861596 22429 If somebody could give me a sense of the model and year as well as other possible details about it (its value as well?) I would greatly appreciate it. Also, it currently has a metal band which I do not believe is original. I would like a leather strap for it. The problem is that the pin between the horns is fixed (i.e. not spring loaded) which means that the strap needs to be affixed and then "glued" or riveted shut. Can anyone suggest where I could get such a strap? Thank you  | ||
| Marcello New member Username: Marcello Post Number: 2 Registered: 01-2009 Rating: N/A |
Does anyone have any info on this watch? | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 3762 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
I'm fairly sure it's a watch made by Universal Geneve. If so, it would date to 1943-1944. | ||
| Marcello New member Username: Marcello Post Number: 3 Registered: 01-2009 Rating: N/A |
I am sorry for my ignorance....but what does that mean with respect to its movement? Do you have any idea as to the value of the watch? Also, I would like to replace the strap/band....do you have any suggestions where I could do that (keep in mind that the pin between the horns is fixed and not spring loaded). | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 3771 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
It mean the movement in your Zenith was made by a company called Universal Geneve. They also supplied LeCoultre and Girard Perregaux. You should be able to get a wrap around strap at any jeweler that sells straps. If the diameter is truly 45mm, then it's worth some money, perhaps $3000. It also looks like the dial was repainted as some point, so that diminishes the value. | ||
| Marcello New member Username: Marcello Post Number: 4 Registered: 01-2009 Rating: N/A |
Thank you for your help. The diameter is truly 45 mm. It's possible that the dial has been repainted, but I inherited it from my grandfather in 1981 when he passed away, and it has been in a safe deposit box since that time. The problem that I have been having with the strap is that the pin between the horns is fixed. I can't seem to find a jeweler that can provide a strap for that kind of pin/horn | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 3783 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Where are you? and what width strap is it? | ||
| Marcello New member Username: Marcello Post Number: 5 Registered: 01-2009 Rating: N/A |
I am in Boston. The width is approximately 21 or 22 mm from my measurement. I think that I would be looking for a black leather strap. Thank you for your help | ||
| Marcello New member Username: Marcello Post Number: 6 Registered: 01-2009 Rating: N/A |
I was able to contact Universal Geneve based on your comment. They said that the watch was made by them in 1941-1942. Its movement is the "Compax" Kal 292. I found a similar watch at http://www.chrono24.com/en/universalgenve/1441005.htm The movement in my watch is the same as the one at the web site and the face is very similar. This web site is selling the watch for $20,000. Do you think my watch could be worth this much? | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 3787 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Why don't you offer to sell your watch at say $15,000 to that dealer and see what their reaction is. If theirs is worth 20, then certainly yours is worth 15 right? |