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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Automatic chronograph

1970s Zodiac Chronograph 902.886 Left-Handed Automatic Wristwatch

Partially verified

This 1970s Zodiac stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch features reference number 902.886 and is reported by the auction source to house a Caliber 90 movement. Arranged in a left-handed layout typical of vintage Caliber 11/12 family watches, the winding crown is positioned on the left at 9 o'clock while two chronograph pushers are located at 2 and 4 o'clock. The blue dial features contrasting rectangular sub-registers, block hour indices, a date display at 6 o'clock, and an internal bezel with both tachymeter and pulsation gradations.

Frontal view of the Zodiac chronograph reference 902.886 showing the dial, hands, pushers, and left-side crown
Frontal view of the Zodiac chronograph reference 902.886 showing the dial, hands, pushers, and left-side crown — Hess Fine Art. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Automatic chronograph
Maker / attribution
Zodiac
Reference
902.886
Catalogue / lot identifier
1535
Source-reported date
1970s
Country
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Architecture and Layout

The watch features a cushion-shaped stainless steel case measured by the auction cataloguer at 43 mm across, 14 mm in thickness, and 44.5 mm lug end to end, with a 22 mm lug width. The physical configuration demonstrates a left-handed layout, placing the winding crown on the left flank at the 9 o'clock position, while two pump pushers are located at 2 and 4 o'clock.

The watch is fitted with an acrylic crystal and paired with a stainless steel bracelet terminating in a Kestenmade folding clasp. Overall weight for the watch and bracelet assembly is reported by the seller at approximately 116.5 grams, with an internal circumference stated at 7-1/4 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cushion-shaped stainless steel case with the winding crown situated at the 9 o'clock position and pump pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock.”
  • “Lug End to End: 44.5 mm”
  • “Estimated weight of piece: 116.5 grams”
  • “Total Length or Circumference: 7-1/4 in circumference”
  • “Material: Stainless steel case, bracelet, and Kestenmade folding clasp”

Dial and Register Details

Visual observation shows a dark blue dial with applied rectangular hour indices and a date window positioned at 6 o'clock. The dual sub-register display features contrasting rectangular-profile registers, with the right-hand counter incorporating an orange-red triangular accent segment.

The dial is bordered by an internal chapter ring with dual scales, including a tachymeter scale alongside a red-accented base 15 pulsations scale.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dark blue dial with applied rectangular indices, twin contrasting sub-registers, and a date window at 6 o'clock.”
  • “Internal chapter ring includes a tachymeter scale and a red-accented base 15 pulsations section.”
  • “Right-hand sub-dial incorporates an orange-red triangular accent segment.”

Reported Movement and Documented Condition

The auction listing reports a 'Zodiac Chronograph 90 Caliber Movement' and states that the automatic movement is running, with chronograph functions starting, stopping, and flying back to 0. An uncased movement view is not provided in the source record, meaning caliber markings and specific internal mechanical features remain unverified beyond the seller's description.

Seller condition notes state that the 'Blue dial shows minor debris', the 'Acrylic crystal shows some user scuffing', and both the case surround and case back exhibit user scuffing and a few minor nicks. The bracelet is noted as having minor scuffs from use, and the lot was catalogued with no box or papers.

Evidence for this section
  • “1970s Zodiac Chronograph 90 Caliber Movement 902.886 Left-Handed Mens Date SS Poor Man’s Octavia Automatic Wrist Watch”
  • “Chronograph starts, stops, and flies back to 0.”
  • “Blue dial shows minor debris. Acrylic crystal shows some user scuffing. Case surround shows some user scuffing and a few minor nicks, as does case back.”
  • “Bracelet shows minor scuffs from use.”
  • “Box & Papers: None”

Open research questions

  • What reference, serial, or hallmark stamps are visible on the interior and exterior of the case back?
  • What specific base caliber markings or manufacturer signatures appear on the uncased movement bridges?
  • Is the Kestenmade-clasp bracelet original to the watch or a period replacement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1970s Zodiac Chronograph 902.886 Left-Handed Automatic Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference902.886“Zodiac Chronograph 902.886”
Movement CaliberCaliber 90“Zodiac Chronograph 90 Caliber Movement”
Case Size43 mm“Case Size: 43 mm”
Case Thickness14 mm“Case Thickness: 14 mm”
Lug Width22 mm“Lug Width: 22 mm”
MaterialStainless steel case, bracelet, and Kestenmade folding clasp“Material: Stainless steel case, bracelet, and Kestenmade folding clasp”
Lug End to End44.5 mm“Lug End to End: 44.5 mm”
Total Weight116.5 grams“Estimated weight of piece: 116.5 grams”
Circumference7-1/4 inches“Total Length or Circumference: 7-1/4 in circumference”
Box and PapersNone“Box & Papers: None”

Visible details

  • Cushion-shaped stainless steel case with the winding crown situated at the 9 o'clock position and pump pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock.
  • Dark blue dial with applied rectangular indices, twin contrasting sub-registers, and a date window at 6 o'clock.
  • Internal chapter ring includes a tachymeter scale and a red-accented base 15 pulsations section.
  • Right-hand sub-dial incorporates an orange-red triangular accent segment.

Research qualifications

  • The movement is not shown uncased in the provided photograph; caliber information is source-reported.
  • The auction listing notes minor dial debris, user scuffing on the acrylic crystal, and minor nicks on the case surround and back.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: 1970s Zodiac Chronograph 902.886 Left-Handed Mens Date SS Poor Man’s Octavia Automatic Wrist Watch

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 725513d264

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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