Expert: Melvin Mills - 7/10/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello. I recently came into possession of my grandfather's old watch when he passed away recently. He lived in England his whole life, and I am assuming that the watch was purchased there or somewhere in Europe. The watch appears to be very old. It has a round face (approx 1 inch across), appears to be stainless steel, and has a light grey face. The seconds are shown in a small round dial on the lower part of the watch. There is extremely small writing, "Zenith", written along the top of the second's hand. I can not find any writing/engravings whatsoever on the back of the watch. The watch looks very similar to the art deco style Zenith watches of the 1920/30's, but instead of "Zenith" being larger and written straight across the top of the watch, my watch has "Zenith" written incredibly small along the top of the round second's hand. Any information that you would be able to provide me about the history/age of the watch would be greatly appreciated. The watch still works and just needs a new wristband. the old one appears to have been leather.  Thank you very much.

ANSWER: Alex,

If you can post a picture, it will help me.

Kind regards,


Melvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have attached the best photo that I could come up with. Between my lack of photographic skills and my basic camera, it was hard to get a good close up. I took the pic with a quarter next to the watch, so that you could tell the scale. It is impossible to see in the picture, but the word "Zenith" is written above the round seconds hand, following the top curve of the seconds hand. Thanks for your help.

Answer
Alex,

Just from looks, I would say you are correct with regards to the time: 1930.

http://www.zenith-watches.com/scripts/getpage.asp?pageid=1_2&LangID=0

That is a link to a website about this company.

Zenith is a well known and well-respected Swiss maker, with a long history, originally founded by Georges Favre-Jacot.

Kind regards,

Melvin