Zodiac
1960s Clebar-Zodiac Chronograph (Ref. 73321) "Made By Heuer" W/ Box & Papers
Zodiac made several sports models in the 50s-60s and were direct competitors to Rolex, Blancpain, and Tudor but are often looked over as they don't receive the same clout as the aforementioned companies. Keeping this in mind, Zodiac is one of the more undervalued Swiss timepiece companies to come from this "golden era" of sports watches. From then, Zodiac went on to produce countless other quality sport and dress models that to this day remain at an affordable price point, but still carry the colorful Zodiac charm.
Nicknamed the "poor man's Heuer Carrera" The Zodiac 73321 or 591 833 is actually a rebranded Heuer model of the same reference, and bears a close resemblance to the Carrera of the late 1960s. Heuer actually produced a number of chronographs for different brands, including Zodiac, and although the ref. 73321 was a more economical offering it uses the workhorse Valjoux cal. 7733 movement and excels at providing a stylish mid-century chronograph aesthetic.
In regards to the Clebar branding, the name itself dates back to 1925, when it was most frequently associated with stopwatches and rally timers. However, during the 1960s, Clebar and Zodiac became intertwined, and there were numerous watches with Zodiac branded cases and movements that were fitted with Clebar-branded dials for distribution in various markets.
SPECS
| Stock # | CLBZSCH73321 | |
| Brand | Clebar | |
| Style | Chronograph | |
| Model | 73321 / 591 833 | |
| Serial | 23XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Black |
|
| Millimeters | 36 | |
| Bracelet | 2pc Handmade Leather Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The 36mm stainless steel case is in excellent condition and appears to be completely unpolished. All case lines remain incredibly crisp, and the only visible cosmetic blemishes are on the caseback, which has faint marks that are likely due to the watch previously being worn on a pass-thru style strap. As is correct for these Clebar-branded Zodiac watches, both the movement and the inside of the caseback feature Zodiac engravings. Completing the watch is a black, two-piece handmade leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The black and white “Reverse Panda” dial on this Clebar/Zodiac Chronograph is exceptionally well-preserved, with virtually zero signs of wear or damage. The white sub-dials are clean and free from any visible blemishes, while the hands are similarly clean and do not have any scratches or significant signs of oxidation. The tritium lume has developed a warm and even patina, and it is entirely intact on both of the hands in addition to all of the luminous plots.
ACCESSORIES
The watch comes complete with its original box with price tag, booklet, and warranty guarantee. The watch is recently serviced and keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.