Zenith - Chronograph 18K Solid Gold cal. 156D Jumbo - Men - 1960-1969

Rare Vintage Zenith Chronograph in Solid 18K Rose Gold – Calibre 156D – Circa Early 1960s

An exceptionally elegant and highly collectible vintage Zenith two-register chronograph, dating from approximately the early 1960s and housed in a beautifully proportioned case crafted from solid 18K rose gold.
The watch is powered by the manually wound Zenith calibre 156D, a traditional Swiss chronograph movement featuring a desirable column-wheel construction. The movement is clearly signed “ZENITH” and marked “156D”. Its classical architecture, rhodium-plated bridges, ruby jewels and gold-toned wheels reflect the high standard of Zenith chronograph production from this period.
The silver-coloured dial has been professionally restored to a very high standard, preserving the elegant appearance and balanced layout characteristic of mid-century Zenith chronographs. It features applied gold-tone baton hour markers, raised Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock, matching gold-plated hour and minute hands, and two finely detailed subsidiary dials.
The chronograph display includes continuous small seconds at 9 o’clock, a 45-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock and a blued-steel central chronograph seconds hand. The subsidiary-dial hands are also finished in blue, providing an attractive contrast against the silver dial.
A blue peripheral tachymeter scale complements the black minute and seconds track, giving the watch a refined yet distinctly sporting appearance. The combination of the warm rose-gold case, silver dial and contrasting blue details is particularly elegant.
The substantial solid 18K rose-gold case measures 37.5 mm in diameter excluding the crown, an impressive and highly wearable size for a vintage chronograph of this period. The case is exceptionally well preserved, with clean polished surfaces, strong proportions and no visible signs of wear.
The inside of the case back is signed Zenith and stamped 18K / 0.750, confirming that the case is made from solid 18-carat gold. Additional Swiss gold hallmarks are also present. The exterior of the case back bears the numbers 130233 and 16518.
The watch is running correctly and keeping time. The chronograph starts, stops and resets properly.
Specifications
Brand: Zenith
Model: Vintage two-register chronograph
Approximate date: Circa early 1960s
Country of manufacture: Switzerland
Movement
Manually wound Zenith calibre 156D
Traditional column-wheel chronograph mechanism
Movement signed “ZENITH”
Calibre designation “156D”
Two-register chronograph layout
45-minute chronograph counter
Running correctly
Chronograph starts, stops and resets properly
Dial
Professionally restored silver-coloured dial
Applied gold-tone baton hour markers
Applied Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock
Gold-plated hour and minute hands
Blued-steel central chronograph seconds hand
Blued subsidiary-dial hands
Continuous small seconds at 9 o’clock
45-minute chronograph register at 3 o’clock
Blue peripheral tachymeter scale
Black outer minute and seconds track
Signed “ZENITH” and “SWISS MADE”
Case
Solid 18K rose gold
Stamped 18K / 0.750 inside the case back
Swiss 18-carat gold hallmarks
Zenith signature inside the case back
Case-back numbers: 130233 and 16518
Exceptionally well-preserved condition
No visible signs of wear
Additional Details
Crystal: Acrylic
Crown: Rose-gold-tone crown
Strap: Brown genuine leather strap
Buckle: Gold-tone buckle
Total length including the watch: Approximately 20 cm

Total weight: 45.5 g

Presentation: Supplied with an elegant travel presentation box
Dimensions
Diameter excluding crown: 37.5 mm
Diameter including crown: 40 mm
Lug-to-lug length: 44 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Lug width: 20 mm

This is a particularly attractive and uncommon Zenith chronograph, combining the desirable calibre 156D, a classic two-register dial layout and a substantial solid 18K rose-gold case. Its impressive size, elegant proportions, beautifully restored dial and excellent overall presentation make it an appealing choice for both a serious collector and anyone seeking a distinguished vintage mechanical chronograph.
As with any vintage watch of this age, water resistance is not guaranteed and contact with water should be avoided.

The photographs form an integral part of the description and accurately represent the condition, appearance, hallmarks and accessories included with the watch.

Important information for buyers outside the European Union

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