Why This Watch Matters
It really doesn’t get more simple and classic than this.
The Full Story
All the platitudes one can say about classic, timeless designs belonging to the ages can be said about this watch. It’s just an elegantly laid out stainless-steel chronograph, which serves as a lesson on economy of design that many modern watch manufacturers should strive to emulate. There is only what is necessary; no more and no less. The silver dial and matching registers are accented by blued-steel hands (even on the sub-dials) and black-lined indexes. This example is powered by the famed manual-winding 146-HP chronograph movement, and at 37.5mm with somewhat oversized lugs, it wears larger than one would expect on the wrist. The simple star and Zenith-only logo give a Spartan quality to the dial that brings it all together.
The Fine Print
Maker: Zenith
Model: Chronograph
Reference: A273
Year: Late 1960s
Case No: 267D717
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter; 12mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: N/A
Caliber: Manual-winding Zenith caliber 146HP
Bracelet/Strap: Zenith-signed black crocodile strap with stainless-steel Zenith-signed buckle
Lug Width: 19mm
Box/Papers: N/A
What we Love and What You Should Know
There is very little to dislike about this watch. The dial is clean and simple, showing very little aging other than some spotting visible only under a loupe. The lugs remain sharp and angular, and the case shows few signs of polishing. There are some light scratches on the back, consistent with tool marks. The caseback engravings and serial number are intact, and the signed strap and buckle are in great condition as well.
