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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Bumper automatic wristwatch

Zenith Automatic Bumper Wristwatch

Partially verified

This vintage mid-size Zenith dress wristwatch dates to circa 1953 and features a stainless steel case measuring 35 mm across without the crown. The patinated yellow tropical dial displays applied gilt even Arabic numerals, alternate arrowhead hour markers with luminous inserts, luminous Dauphine hands, and a red needle central seconds hand beneath a Plexiglas crystal. The seller states that the watch is powered by a 20-jewel bumper automatic calibre 133.8 mechanical movement bearing serial number 4189017.

Zenith automatic bumper wristwatch on wrist showing patinated yellow dial
Zenith automatic bumper wristwatch on wrist showing patinated yellow dial — Vintage Watch Specialist. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintagewatchspecialist.com
Category
Wristwatch · Bumper automatic wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Zenith
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
VWS3088
Source-reported date
c. 1953
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
4189017

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 External Construction

This mid-size Zenith wristwatch features a stainless steel case measuring 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown, with a lug height of 43 mm and a lug width of 18 mm. The case includes a smooth bezel and downturned lugs.

The timepiece is fitted with a Plexiglas crystal and is currently paired with a leather strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case Stainless Steel”
  • “Width (without crown) 35mm”
  • “Lug width 18mm”
  • “Lug height (lug to lug) 43mm”
  • “encapsulated underneath shatterproof Plexiglas”

Dial and Hands

The dial exhibits a yellow patina. It is furnished with applied gilt Arabic numerals and alternate arrowhead hour markers featuring luminous inserts.

The Dauphine hands include luminous inserts, accompanied by a central seconds needle hand in red.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial Patina”
  • “The dial is furnished with applied gilt Arabic numerals and alternate arrowhead hour markers with luminous inserts.”
  • “The Dauphine hands, also have luminous inserts. A central seconds needle hand in blood red completes the dial”

Movement and Mechanical Status

The watch is powered by a mechanical 20-jewel bumper automatic movement, identified by the seller as Calibre 133.8. This mechanism utilizes a rotor that swings within a limited arc.

The seller documentation provides the movement serial number as 4189017. This serial number and the movement are not visible in the provided photographic evidence.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre 133.8”
  • “Jewels 20”
  • “The watch is powered by the Zenith Bumper Movement No: 4189017”

Open research questions

  • Can the movement serial number 4189017 be independently verified against Zenith factory records for a Calibre 133.8 movement?
  • Are there visible markings on the case back that corroborate the model or production era?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Zenith Automatic Bumper Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Serial Number4189017“Zenith Bumper Movement No: 4189017”
Calibre133.8“Calibre 133.8”
Jewels20“Jewels 20”
Case MaterialStainless Steel“Case Stainless Steel”
Width35mm“Width (without crown) 35mm”
Lug Height43mm“Lug height (lug to lug) 43mm”
Estimated Datec. 1953“Date of issue 1953 (Approx)”

Visible details

  • Patinated yellow dial featuring applied gilt even Arabic numerals and alternate arrowhead hour markers.
  • Luminous-infilled Dauphine hour and minute hands accompanied by a bright red central seconds hand.
  • Stainless steel case with smooth round bezel and downturned lugs fitted to a dark leather strap.

Research qualifications

  • The bumper movement and internal serial number are not visible in the supplied photograph and rely entirely on the seller's documentation.

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

Consulted source

Zenith Automatic with Bumper Movement - Tropical Patina Dial and Steel – Vintage Watch Specialist

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 13567e3743

Terms in this record

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

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