Here we have a beautiful example of an early 1950s Zenith 18ct chronograph. It has an oversized 38mm 18ct gold case which has an impressive presence. The white dial has aged to a cream tone, with even speckled patination. It has the outer Tachymetre scale with the detailed inner 1/5th seconds markers. The applied hour markers are of arrow design with the Arabic 12 and 6 with the 9 and 3 cut off by the sub-dials. The right sub-dial has the 45-minute counter, with the left having the constant seconds. Below 12 is the Zenith signing with the star logo. The hands are of leaf style with the contrasting thermally blued chronograph hand to the centre. To the right are the block pushers and large original crown. The snap-on case back has brushed finishing with the clear serial numbers. The case has Swiss hallmarking for 18ct with the Zenith signing and Jung & Fils case maker mark. The movement is the Zenith calibre 156 column wheel chronograph movement. It is in good condition and is keeping very accurate time, with the chronograph functioning smoothly. 
 
When we think of Zenith Chronographs, we tend to think of the legendary El Primero automatic chronograph movement. But this wasn’t Zeniths first rodeo. Prior to 1969 Zenith had a well-established position as one of the best Swiss chronograph manufacturers. One such example is the calibre 146 which was fitted in famous military watches, such as the A. Cairelli Italian Air Force examples. The chronograph we have here is fitted with the Zenith calibre 156, a column wheel chronograph designed by Martel, before the company became part of Zenith in 1960. The movement also featured in Universal Geneve’s chronographs throughout the 1950s. 
 
Whilst being dressy, these oversized chronographs are a useful companion. The Tachymetre scale allows for the approximate speed of a vehicle over a known distance. The two sub-dials allow for the constant seconds to be viewed, as well as the 45-minute counter on the chronograph.
 
The white dial has aged to a cream tone, with a pleasing, even speckled patination. It has the bold arrow hour markers with the Arabic 12 and 6. The 9 and 3 markers are cut off by the sub dials. It is a classic layout with the two sub dials, consisting of the constant seconds at 9 O’clock and the 45-minute counter at 3 O’clock. The sub-dials are sunk into the dial and have the grained concentric circles adding texture. The seconds/minutes track surround the inner section of the dial with the detailed 1/5th of a second graduations. Around the outside of the dial is the Tachymetre scale. It is signed ‘Zenith’ below 12 O’clock, with the star logo.
The hour and minute hands are of leaf style in the gold tone, with the light speckled corrosion spots. The thermally blued central second hand provides contrast and has a bright tone. The sub-dial hands match the hour and minute hand and are good and original.
 
The case is very well proportioned, measuring 37.5mm x 37.5mm. It has a long lugs which extend the total length to 44.5mm, adding presence on the wrist. With a 10.8mm depth, the watch is a snug fit to the wrist. The 20mm lug width allows for a substantial strap too.
It is a three-piece design, with the snap-on bezel holding the crystal, the centre section with the lugs and the snap-on case back. It is formed of 18ct yellow gold and has the polished bevelled bezel design, which falls to meet the main body of the case. The sides of the case are flat with the brushed finish with the long lugs tapering towards the tip. The lugs have a subtle polished bevel to the outside which provides an intriguing transition to the flat sides. To the right is the original un-signed crown, which is sandwiched between the two block Chronograph pushers. 
The case back has the dished design with the polished exterior and brushed finish to the face. The serial number is good and clear. Inside it is signed with Swiss hallmarking for 18ct gold, with the Zenith name and hammer 128. The Poincon De Maitre 128 shows the case was manufactured by Jung & Fils (Sons) who were a leading case manufacturer for high end Universal Geneve’s, Jaeger Chronographs and some Zenith Chronographs. They were known for production precious metal versions of Compax and Compur chronographs. 
 
Inside is the Zenith Calibre 156. It is a manual wind column wheel chronograph movement, with a jewel count of 17. It is a two button chrono with the top button starts and stops the chronograph, with the bottom resetting. It displays the hours, minutes, small seconds, 45-minute counter and central 60 second hand. It is in good condition, keeping very good time, with the chronograph functioning smoothly. 
 
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.
 
Dial: 
The dial is original and is in good patinated condition. It has the darkened tone with the speckled ageing. It has some light marks associated with age. The hour markers were a gold tone which has oxidised to a bronze tone. 
 
Hands: 
The hands are of leaf style and are original. They are in decent condition with a gold tone and light speckled corrosion spots. The central second is thermally blued and is bright and original. The sub dial hands are also good and original.
 
Glass: 
The crystal is a replacement which is in perfect condition.
 
Crown and pushers:
The gold tone crown is original and has wear to the gold plating on the edges. The pushers are original and have dints and scratches associated with age. 
 
Case:
The case is 18ct gold and is in good condition. The tone of the yellow gold is good and even. It has been lightly polished in the past but remains its correct finishes and shape. There are light surface scratches. 
 
Caseback:
The snap-on case back is formed of 18ct gold and is in good condition for the age. It has a polished finish to the outside with the brushed face. It appears to have been lightly brushed in the past, but the serial number is well defined. It has some light marking. There is a small dimpled dent.
 
Strap: 
The watch is presented on a period leather racing style strap with the gold-plated buckle. It is not Zenith.
 
Movement: 
Inside is the Zenith Calibre 156. It is a manual wind column wheel chronograph movement, with a jewel count of 17. It displays the hours, minutes, small seconds, 45-minute counter and central 60 second hand. It is in good condition, keeping very good time, with the chronograph functioning smoothly. It’s keeping time to within +/- 5 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 310 degrees and a beat error of 0.7m/s.
 
Case Dimensions:
Case width: 37.5mm
Case width with crown: 40mm 
Case length: 37.5mm 
Case length lug to lug: 44.4mm
Case Depth: 10.8mm
Lug width: 20mm