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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Time-only wristwatch

Gents 1950s Zodiac wrist watch, tropical dial

Partially verified

This gentleman's wristwatch attributed to the 1950s by Zodiac features a plated case measuring 32 mm in diameter excluding the crown and lugs, paired with a stainless steel screw-on case back. The patinated dial has acquired freckling and age-related darkening described by the source as a tropical finish, showing Arabic numerals, an outer minute chapter ring, and a red centre seconds hand. The source notes the watch is powered by a signed 17-jewel movement and is fitted with a replacement leather strap.

Three-quarter front view of the Zodiac wristwatch on stand showing dial, plated case, and leather strap
Three-quarter front view of the Zodiac wristwatch on stand showing dial, plated case, and leather strap — The Vintage Wrist Watch Company. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
antiques-atlas.com
Category
Wristwatch · Time-only wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Zodiac
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
as170a8388
Source-reported date
1950s
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 Construction

This Zodiac timepiece features a plated case with a 32mm diameter, excluding the winding crown and lugs. The case exhibits visible wear and marking commensurate with its age.

The watch is fitted with a stainless steel screw-on case back. The source notes that the case back is marked as waterproof, though the seller advises that the watch should be kept away from water.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch measures 32mm diameter excluding the winding crown and the lugs.”
  • “The case is plated and there is some wear and marking commensurate with its age.”
  • “The stainless steel screw-on case back states that the watch is waterproof but, as with any vintage watch, it should be kept away from water.”

Dial and Hands

The dial is signed 'Zodiac' and features an original finish with light freckling and age-related darkening, described by the source as a 'tropical finish'. The dial displays an outer minute chapter ring.

The watch retains its original handset, including a red-painted central seconds hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “The signed dial is in its original finish with original hands, red centre seconds hand and outer minute markers.”
  • “There is fairly light freckling across the dial and nice even age related darkening, known as a tropical finish.”

Movement and Performance

The watch is powered by a signed 17-jewel movement described by the source as working nicely. The specific caliber of the movement is not recorded in the source.

The seller reports that the watch is checked for accuracy, which is typically within +/- two to three minutes over a 24-hour period.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch has a good quality signed 17-jewel movement which is working nicely.”
  • “checked for accuracy which is usually within around +/- two to three minutes over 24 hours”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber used in this Zodiac reference?
  • Do the internal case back markings correlate to a specific production date or model reference?
  • What was the original material of the case plating?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gents 1950s Zodiac wrist watch, tropical dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Jewels17 jewels“good quality signed 17-jewel movement”
Case Diameter32mm“The watch measures 32mm diameter excluding the winding crown and the lugs.”
Case Back MaterialStainless steel“The stainless steel screw-on case back states that the watch is waterproof”
Dial FinishTropical finish“fairly light freckling across the dial and nice even age related darkening, known as a tropical finish.”
OriginSwiss“Origin Swiss”
LensReported in good condition“The lens is in good condition.”

Visible details

  • Aged, freckled light-tan dial signed 'Zodiac' and marked 'SWISS MADE' along the lower edge.
  • Luminescent-style Arabic numeral hour indices with an outer minute track displaying five-minute intervals.
  • Red-painted central seconds hand with an arrowhead tip pointing near 12 o'clock.
  • Plating wear and pitting visible on the case, particularly across the bezel and faceted lugs.
  • Dark brown leather strap with embossed reptile pattern and contrast stitching.

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber and interior case back details are not specified or pictured.
  • Water resistance stated on the case back is not guaranteed for vintage wear.

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

Consulted source

Antiques Atlas - Gents 1950s Zodiac Wrist Watch, Tropical Dial as170a8388

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record e9eb3cc41b

Terms in this record

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

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