Presented for auction by Second Vintage Zenith's Elite line represents a high-water mark for ultra-thin, in-house automatic watchmaking. Introduced in the 1990s as a testament to the brand's enduring mechanical prowess, the Elite caliber was voted "Movement of the Year" upon its debut. This particular timepiece is a masterclass in elegant dress watch design, combining a beautifully textured guilloché dial with a sophisticated sub-seconds layout. It offers collectors a rare blend of true manufacture pedigree, versatile proportions, and timeless aesthetic refinement, making it an exceptional addition to any serious portfolio. Brand: Zenith Model: Elite Reference Number: 01/02.1125.680 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 680, 26 Jewels Dial: Silver guilloché dial with applied Arabic numerals and dart indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: Circa 2000s Condition: Near-mint condition, outstanding preservation with flawless dial and crisp case lines Dial and Hands The dial of this Zenith Elite is a study in refined texture and balanced proportions, presented in flawless condition with no visible spots, stains, or signs of degradation. The central sector features an intricate barleycorn guilloché pattern that plays beautifully with the light, framed by a smooth brushed outer chapter ring. Applied highly polished silver-tone Arabic numerals at the even hours are interspersed with faceted dart indices, adding a striking three-dimensional depth. At the nine o'clock position, a recessed sub-seconds register is detailed with concentric circular snailing, providing a subtle contrast to the main dial texture. A neatly stepped date aperture sits cleanly at three o'clock. The polished dauphine hands remain crisp and brilliant, perfectly complementing the applied dial furniture and completing the sophisticated dress aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 37mm stainless steel case is preserved in stunning condition, exhibiting only the faintest signs of careful handling. The sweeping, elegantly curved lugs retain their sharp factory profiles and seamless transitions into the case flanks. A smooth, highly polished bezel frames the dial, while the signed Zenith crown features the brand's iconic star emblem in crisp relief. The watch is fitted with a gently domed crystal that remains exceptionally clear, offering an unobstructed view of the intricate dial beneath. Turning the watch over reveals a sapphire exhibition caseback, secured tightly and bearing deep, legible factory engravings including the reference number 01/02.1125.680, all presenting in excellent, unpolished condition. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed in-house Zenith Caliber 680, a 26-jewel automatic movement renowned for its ultra-thin architecture and robust reliability. The exhibition caseback allows full view of the movement's exceptional finishing, highlighted by a beautifully decorated rotor that mirrors the dial’s guilloché pattern, proudly engraved with the Zenith Elite manufacture signature. The movement components, including the perlage on the base plates and the gold-filled caliber engravings, remain pristine and visually striking. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a second hand timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a superb deviation of -3 to -5 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching and an embossed reptilian texture. It is secured by a high-quality stainless steel deployant clasp, which is prominently signed with the Zenith name and the brand's star logo on the closure, ensuring both a secure fit and a cohesive aesthetic. Condition This Zenith Elite is presented in near-mint condition, standing as a testament to careful ownership. The dial and hands are absolutely pristine, showing no signs of aging, moisture, or UV damage. The stainless steel case retains its original geometry with brilliant polished surfaces and only microscopic handling marks visible under intense scrutiny. The exhibition caseback and heavily decorated movement present flawlessly. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures a classic 37 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The ultra-thin profile of the Elite caliber allows the watch to sit exceptionally close to the wrist, providing an elegant and unobtrusive wearing experience perfectly suited for formal attire. Remarks Finding a Zenith Elite from this era in such impeccably preserved condition is a rare opportunity. The combination of the mesmerizing guilloché dial, the asymmetrical sub-seconds layout, and the highly decorated manufacture movement makes this piece a true connoisseur's choice. It represents an era when Zenith reaffirmed its status as a premier manufacturer of elegant, mechanically superior timepieces. History Zenith has long been celebrated as a true manufacture, famous not only for the legendary El Primero chronograph but also for its dedication to precision timekeeping across all categories. In 1994, Zenith introduced the Elite caliber, an ultra-thin automatic movement developed entirely in-house using computer-aided design, a pioneering feat at the time. It was immediately recognized by the horological community and awarded the title of "Movement of the Year." The Elite line was born from this achievement, designed to house the new caliber in cases that reflected traditional Swiss elegance. Over the decades, the Elite has remained a cornerstone of Zenith's collection, beloved by collectors who appreciate understated design backed by serious, historically significant watchmaking. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Note that with second hand watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age. Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all second hand watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: ZEN-ZAX-0002