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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Serial-number guide

Zodiac Serial Numbers

Needs research

What a Zodiac serial number can establish, what it cannot, and how to record a date estimate another researcher could check.

Diagram

maker or gradeserialcase hallmarksimport and assay marks
Schematic: where markings are found. An outline schematic drawn to show the arrangement of the parts discussed here. It is not a dimensioned working drawing and does not depict a particular maker's calibre.

Method

Reading the number, step by step

  1. 1. Find the movement number

    Swiss case and movement numbers are usually separate sequences by different makers; only the movement serial, where one exists, is relevant to movement dating.

  2. 2. Understand what it encodes

    Case and movement numbers exist but are not mapped in a widely accepted public chronology.

  3. 3. Judge how precise the date can be

    Limited: approximate dating via movement calibre (often identifiable ébauches) is more reliable than any number on the case.

  4. 4. Check the records behind the tables

    No comprehensive public serial table; dating practice relies on calibre, case reference and dial signatures.

Quick facts

Manufacturer
Zodiac
Dating confidence
Estimate only — see notes
Editorial status
Needs research

Sources & references

  1. Period Zodiac catalogues
  2. Ébauche calibre identification references

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.

Limits

What the number does not prove

Questions

Frequently asked

Where is the serial number on a Zodiac watch?
Swiss case and movement numbers are usually separate sequences by different makers; only the movement serial, where one exists, is relevant to movement dating.
What do Zodiac serial numbers mean?
Case and movement numbers exist but are not mapped in a widely accepted public chronology.
How accurate is dating a Zodiac watch by serial number?
Limited: approximate dating via movement calibre (often identifiable ébauches) is more reliable than any number on the case.
Where are Zodiac production records held?
No comprehensive public serial table; dating practice relies on calibre, case reference and dial signatures.

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