Zenith - XL-Tronic – Quartz Tuning Fork (ESA 9162) – Swiss Made – 1970s - No reserve price - Men - 1970-1979

Zenith – XL-Tronic – Quartz Tuning Fork (ESA 9162) – Swiss Made – 1970s

A striking vintage Zenith XL-Tronic wristwatch from the 1970s, featuring the iconic Swiss tuning fork quartz technology based on the Bulova-patented tuning fork system, licensed and produced in Switzerland. This model represents an important transitional era in horology, bridging traditional watchmaking and early high-precision electronic timekeeping.

The watch stands out with its bold, cushion-shaped stainless steel case, sharp original lines, and a beautifully brushed silver dial. Visually, the watch is in excellent condition for its age, offering strong presence on the wrist and a clean, refined aesthetic typical of Zenith’s design language of the period.

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Technical Details

• Brand: Zenith
• Model: XL-Tronic
• Era: 1970s
• Movement: Quartz tuning fork movement – ESA 9162, based on Bulova patented tuning fork technology (Swiss licensed production)
• Timekeeping: Very good accuracy for a vintage electronic watch
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case shape: Cushion / TV-style case with sharp edges
• Case back: Stainless steel, engraved
“ZENITH – SWISS – MOVEMENT LICENSED – NOVA & PAT E.S.A.”
• Dial: Silver sunburst / vertically brushed dial
• Dial markings:
“ZENITH”
“XL-TRONIC”
“SWISS MADE”
• Crystal: Acrylic
• Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date at 4 o’clock
• Crown: Original style, unsigned
• Strap: Black leather strap (aftermarket)
• Buckle: Stainless steel (aftermarket)

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Condition Report

• Excellent visual condition relative to age
• Dial shows only very minor, age-related imperfections, consistent with a vintage watch
• Case has been carefully polished in the past and retains sharp, well-defined lines
• Acrylic crystal in good condition with light signs of age
• Movement is fully functional and keeps time very well for a vintage tuning fork watch
• Overall a clean, honest example with strong wrist presence
• Please examine all photos carefully as they form an integral part of the description

No water-resistance guarantee is given due to the age of the watch. Vintage watch usage guidelines apply.

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Shipping & Packaging

• Fast worldwide shipping via FedEx, UPS or DHL
• Secure and professional packaging
• Photos and video of the watch will be taken before shipment
• Customs duties, import taxes, stamp duties and any additional charges are the buyer’s responsibility

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Notes

The Zenith XL-Tronic is an important and collectible model, showcasing Swiss mastery of the Bulova-patented tuning fork technology under ESA license. Its distinctive case design, clean silver dial, and historical movement make it an excellent choice for collectors interested in early electronic watchmaking or bold 1970s design.

A highly attractive and technically significant vintage Zenith, suitable for both collection and careful daily wear.