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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch

Zenith 18ct Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Zenith manual wind wristwatch is dated to 1930 based on hallmark information. The timepiece features an 18ct gold case measuring approximately 30mm in diameter, housing a Zenith jewelled manual wind movement. The movement is serialised as 2979651. The silvered dial exhibits discolouration and displays black Arabic numerals alongside a minute track. Time is indicated by blued poire-style hands, with a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the six o'clock mark. The watch is fitted with an after-market fluted crown, though an additional period-correct crown is included. The piece is presented on an after-market black leather strap, though it is noted to be deficient of a buckle. According to the auction description, the movement is not currently in running order, and no long-term performance testing has been conducted to confirm accuracy. It carries a gross weight of 29.9 grams.

A front-facing view of the 18ct gold Zenith wristwatch with a black leather strap.
A front-facing view of the 18ct gold Zenith wristwatch with a black leather strap. — Dawsons Auctioneers / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Zenith
Reference
342880
Catalogue / lot identifier
205344849
Source-reported date
1930
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
2979651

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 and Dial Construction

The watch is constructed with an 18ct gold case featuring a smooth bezel design. Measuring approximately 30mm in diameter, the case architecture adheres to conventions for dress watches of the early 1930s. The dial is silver-toned, though it shows evidence of discolouration throughout its surface.

On the dial, time is represented through black Arabic numerals and a peripheral minute track. The handset consists of blued steel poire hands, providing contrast against the silvered background. A subsidiary seconds dial is recessed at the six o'clock position to track small increments of time.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bezel: Smooth”
  • “Case Diameter: Approximately 30mm”
  • “Dial: Silvered (Discoloured), Blued Poire Hands”
  • “Seconds Subsidiary Dial at Six o’clock”

Movement and Components

The watch is powered by a Zenith jewelled manual wind movement. The movement is marked with the serial number 2979651, which corresponds to the internal identifying data provided in the record. The current crown is a fluted after-market component.

Despite the presence of an after-market crown, the sale includes an additional period-correct crown. The auction description notes that the movement is not currently running, and no long-term testing has been undertaken to establish its functional status or timekeeping precision.

Evidence for this section
  • “Zenith Jewelled Manual Wind Movement, numbered ‘2979651’”
  • “Crown: After-Market, Fluted, Accompanied by Additional Period-Correct Crown”
  • “The watch is not currently running”

Condition and Attribution

The piece is dated to 1930 based on the hallmarks present on the object. The item is sold with an after-market black leather strap, though the buckle component is missing. The total gross weight of the assembly is 29.9 grams.

The documentation indicates that no original papers or box accompany the watch. Auction records serve as the primary source for the attribution and physical measurements, with the caveat that independent authentication of the specific reference and type remains a requirement for full cataloguing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hallmarked 1930”
  • “Strap: After-Market Black Leather Strap”
  • “Buckle: Deficient”
  • “Independent confirmation of type attribution and auction-house statements remains research required”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number 2979651 align with Zenith factory ledgers for the year 1930?
  • Can the reference 342880 be verified in Zenith archival records to confirm the original case specifications?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Zenith 18ct Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18ct Gold“18ct Gold”
Case DiameterApproximately 30mm“Approximately 30mm”
Movement Serial2979651“2979651”
Reference Number342880“342880”
Dial FeaturesSilvered dial with black Arabic numerals and minute track“Dial: Silvered (Discoloured), Blued Poire Hands Numerals: Black Arabic Numerals, Minute Track”
Gross Weight29.9 grams“Gross Weight: 29.9 grams”

Visible details

  • Subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock
  • Visible discolouration on the silvered dial surface
  • Fluted crown present
  • Standard lugs holding a black leather strap

Research qualifications

  • The crown is documented as an after-market replacement
  • The watch is reported as not currently running
  • Independent verification of the reference and serial number attribution remains required

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

Consulted source

Zenith – 18ct Gold Wristwatch

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 257be0702d

Terms in this record

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

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