Zenith 146D Chronograph - SOLD

When we think of the Zenith Manufacture, we often think of the "El Primero" movement, the first automatic chronograph caliber. Unveiled in 1969, it has always been considered one of the most accomplished and reliable automatic chronograph movements. It will even be used by Rolex for its Cosmograph Daytona, from 1988 to 2000.

That said, Zenith made chronographs for years, and in 1960 bought its historic movement manufacturer, Martel. Martel was linked to the Universal brand, for which it manufactured the movement for the "Compur" and "Compax" chronographs.

The 146 caliber that equips our watch is therefore in a way the descendant of the movements resulting from the Martel-Universal union. It is a hand-wound chronograph with a 45-minute counter and small seconds.

The chronograph is operated by two classic pump pushers (typical of the 1960s) and a column wheel system, characteristic of vintage chronographs. It is a feature that has a lot of charm and appeal for collectors.

The silver dial has a very beautiful patina on the varnish that gives it a glittery appearance. The 1000 base tachymeter scale around the dial is perfectly preserved.

The applied indexes and "star" logo add relief to this "two-counter" dial that is beautifully harmonious and symmetrical.

The large case with a diameter of 36.5 mm gives this beautiful collector's chronograph a very contemporary presence on the wrist.