Zodiac
1970s Zodiac Sea-Chron (Ref. 872-840)
Zodiac made several sports models in the 50s-60s and were direct competitors to Rolex, Blancpain, and Tudor but are oddly often looked over. They don't receive the same clout as the aforementioned companies and as such Zodiac is one of the more undervalued Swiss timepiece companies to come from this "golden era" of sports watches.
The Zodiac Sea-Chron was a charming step to modernizing the brand to offer more sophisticated designs than their competitors were producing. This diving chronograph is powered by the Valjoux cal. 726 and shares some aesthetic design cues with some of its counterparts of the 70s, namely Heuer, Zenith, and Movado. However, the Zodiac Sea-Chron remains unique, distinctive and bold.
SPECS
Stock # | ZSCH872840-2 | |
Brand | Zodiac | |
Style | Sea-Chron | |
Model | 872-840 | |
Serial | 22XXXXX | |
Size | Men's | |
Material | Stainless Steel | |
Dial | Matte Black | |
Millimeters | 39 | |
Bracelet | NATO Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The Sea-Chron features a 39-millimeter stainless steel case with large pump pushers and a fantastic oversize crown. The lugs are short and tapered, with wide, sharp bevels that have never even heard of a polishing wheel. The bezel is beautifully designed, a mix of black and silver. And while it shows some small battle scars, it managed to protect its inlaid tritium marker in the top triangle. Something usually long lost on these watches. The Zodiac is worn on a color complimenting, black and tan NATO strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The matte black dial is busy and wonderfully preserved. It features two large counters at 3 and 9, while opting for the balance of a smaller 12 hour chronograph register at 6. The tritium hour markers and thick index style hands have all acquired the beautiful golden patina we've come to love from these vintage watches.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is in perfect working condition, previous service history is unknown.