1964 Zenith Chronograph AKA 'Stellina' - FULL SET (Original Box + Papers) - Ref. 146DP
A fine and elegant Zenith chronograph manufactured for only 2 years.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
This particular Zenith houses a high grade caliber 146DP, was fitted in this particular model for a 2 years period only, it is based on the 146 but is a more elaborate version (Flat coil and shock protection). The case is in excellent condition with the original crown and pushers in perfect shape, not worn on the corners.
The satiné 'Sunburst' dial with angled elevation subdials gives to this timepiece a very elegant touch.
The plain thin gold hands matching the gold 'Batons' indexes, rarer than the thicker ones with black inserts, completes this refinement.
This watch comes with its original Zenith box and 1964 Zenith guarantee.
THE STORY
Though Zenith is most well known for its impressive in-house El Primero chronograph calibers, the brand’s positioning as a master of accuracy predated the mighty El by a fair margin. In 1948, the brand’s Calibre 135 became a new industry benchmark of sorts, achieving chronometer specification and winning a string of over 200 awards.
Most notably, the hand-wound 19-jewel caliber was awarded 5 consecutive Neuchâtel Observatory chronometry prizes from 1950 to 1954—a winning streak previously unheard of in such a contested competition. Evolving over three iterations, the caliber remained in Zenith’s production line consistently through until 1962.
Zenith lays claim to having opened the first watchmaking “manufacture”, all the way back in 1865. Georges Favre-Jacot decided that rather than sticking to the traditional method of watchmaking of the period—where movement makers would have their own atelier somewhere, dial makers, somewhere else, case makers somewhere else, and so on—he decided the most logical approach would be to house all of these specialized workers in a single facility.
Every watch brand loves to hang their hat on some sort of celebrity connection, however the fact that Mahatma Gandhi carried a Zenith pocket watch is all kinds of cool. Gandhi carried and used the pocket watch (fitted with an alarm complication) for years, and though it was stolen from him in the late ‘40s, it returned to him not much later when the thief was surprisingly overcome with guilt.
Before passing away, Gandhi gifted the pocket watch to his granddaughter, and in 2009 the watch was sold via a well known auction house for a paltry sum of 1.8M USD.
THE DATA
- Maker: Zenith
- Model: Chronograph AKA 'Stellina'
- Case N°: 239D2xx
- Year: 1964
- Material: Solid 18k Yellow gold
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 35x43x12mm
- Caliber: In house manual wound Zenith 146DP
- Bracelet/Strap: Black leather
- Lug width: 18mm
- Box/Papers: Original Zenith box + Original guarantee
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This chronograph is in very good condition and comes with its original Zenith box and guarantee. The solid gold case is well preserved. The silver 'Sunburst' dial with gold hands is mesmerising. This is a very elegant and sharp timepiece.
A nice presence on the wrist, perfect for every day wear and formal events.
