This is a rare Vintage Ref A273 Chronograph in STUNNING condition, manufactured by Zenith Switzerland circa 1960s. Arguably, this watch with its understated aesthetics, honest and original condition, and quality of manufacture is all the watch a stylish man needs among his accessories. With its perfect proportions, it is equally at home on a weekend hike with jeans as it is with a tuxedo.
The dial is original brushed silver color in perfect condition and with a tachometer scale. The enamel lettering on the dial and scales looks as new as the day the watch left the factory. The steel main hands are perfect and original: they mimic the trapezoidal shape of the hour markers. The sunken chrono sub-dials give the dial depth and an impression of contrasting color when light hits the dial in an angle. The hands of the sub-dials are blued steel.
The case is 37mm diameter by 12.2mm deep, and is equipped with a screw-in waterproof back. The condition of the case is excellent, with faint hairline surface scratches throughout consistent with age. The case appears unpolished, and should not be touched. The Zenith logo and serial number in the back are perfectly legible.
The 17 jewels Zenith Caliber 146HP features a column-wheel movement and an Incabloc shock protection system. The 146HP and DP (the 2-register version) are important in the history of Zenith, because they are the last manual wind chronograph movements that Zenith made before the company introduced the El Primero automatic high-beat chronograph in 1969. Unlike other manufacturers, Zenith never went back to making both manual and self-winding chronographs.
This is a highly collectible, top quality watch at a very attractive price. Frankly, it has pushed other watches off my wrist in recent weeks.
Dial: Original, brushed silver dial.
Case: Stainless steel, screw-in waterproof back, serial number: 715D982.
Dimensions: 37 mm diameter, 12.2 mm thick.
Movement: Manufacture Grade, Cal 146HP.
Winding: Manual
Jewels: 17
Signatures: Dial, Case, Movement.
