Collectible! Circa 1970s Zenith Ref: 20.0850.355 17J Gold Plated Mechanical Watch (FS)

Make: Zenith Switzerland
Type: Mechanical
Model: 20.0850.355
Year of Production: Circa 1950s
Movement: 1740
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D White Gold Baton Indices with Baton Hands
Width: 25.0mm
Lug to Lug Height: 30.6mm
Thickness: 6.4mm
Lug Width: 12mm
Strap: Hi-Quality Bambi Brand Super Engineer SS Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

The history of Zenith is one of innovation, precision, and resilience.
 
Zenith was founded in 1865 in Le Locle by Georges Favre-Jacot, who was just 22 years old. Zenith became one of Switzerland's most respected manufactures by producing virtually every component of its watches in-house and by setting numerous precision records.

At the time, Swiss watchmaking relied on the établissage system, where parts were made by many independent craftsmen and assembled later. Favre-Jacot revolutionized this by bringing every stage of production under one roof, creating one of Switzerland's first fully integrated watch manufactures.

This approach gave Zenith complete control over:

Movement design
Component manufacturing
Assembly
Quality control

It became a model that many other Swiss brands would later adopt.

In 1911, the company officially adopted the name Zenith.

According to company history, Georges Favre-Jacot chose the name after looking at the night sky and thinking of the zenith, the highest point directly overhead—a symbol of striving for the highest level of precision and achievement.

The star in Zenith's logo represents that celestial inspiration.

Here we have a circa 1970s Zenith Tonneau Gold-Plated Cal 1740 17J Mechanical Watch in stunning condition.

The 1740 was considered a worthwhile movement because it was one of the slimmest when it was launched in 1967!

A good and thorough clean-up revealed a beautifully preserved gold dial, Gold-Filled Baton Indices with Baton hands.

Its classy and stylish gold case was cleaned and buffed as best as possible without compromising its shape and lines albeit a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. The crystal was also polished and is now in near mint condition.

The crown is located at the traditional 3H position and is easily accessible. The time quickset is adjusted via the traditional method of uncorking the crown and adjust accordingly.

The 1740 movement was given a good clean-up and oiled on 2 July 2026. It should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby giving the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with 17 Jewels and operate at 21,600 BPH. The timing shows approximately 14 seconds deviation daily which is well within the 30 second requirements for by brand new modern automatic watch standards.

The case width and height are approximately 25.0mm (w/o crown) and 30.6mm respectively. The lug width is 12mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 19.5cm.

The timepiece comes with a hi-quality Bambi Brand 2-Tone SS Bracelet with sliding clasp as part of the deal.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Zenith components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts or modified.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided shows the watch in excellent condition. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear + tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. An aftermarket box or purposeful carrying case will be provided instead.

Seldom can one find a vintage watch that offers this and more. Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, but none are as well kept, maintained and calibrated as what you see here, and with an attractive price to boot. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life and should be cherished and preserved for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, but none as beautifully aged and as well maintained as what you see here. Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

So, be unique and own a rare Zenith 17J Mechanical Watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition or purchase it for that special someone instead!