I finally snagged a good-condition Zodiac with an interesting complication (my criterion lately) that wasn't too overpriced:

(https://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv651%2F440_Magnum%2FWatches%2F8FA16FFD-C789-4623-A7BA-BAB2F6EE5001-1004-000000CD8FFB13E0.jpg&hash=668116f53628204a22b468be3b8bd26e5346de43)

The caseback is inscribed as a gift in 1957, so I figure that dates it to within a couple of years. The wear on the caseback and case are similar, so I have no reason to suspect a change. The self-wind mechanism sounds perfect on this one, no rattles or scrapes at all. The Power Reserve works, don't know how accurate it is (the power reserve OR the watch) yet. After 38 years, my Triple Date Moonphase now has a Zodiac brother in the collection.  ;D

After just a few days, this watch has shot up to about #2 of my favorite watches (behind my triple-date, of course). It just looks *great,* my wife actually showed a genuine, huge interest in it because of the face color. Easily the dressiest watch I own except for my modern Accutron. I love the thing!

Its also running very well, just a slight loss of time when the power reserve indicator drops below 24 hrs., but does fine when I follow Butch's advice of daily winding (or putting it in the watch winder). I doubt it needs BWG's intense ministrations, so I'll probably just have the local guy I use for routine stuff give it a cleaning/service. Call me paranoid, but  I'm still hesitant to ship watches around the country.... visions of the Fed Ex truck getting in a wreck and boxes flying everywhere.  :'(

A triple date and an autographic?  That's a nice one-two punch to have in your collection!  Nice pick up.

How large is your wrist though?  This is definitely a good size for you but I've never bothered to get one because I have an 8 inch wrist.  This is a 32-34mm right?

You're correct, its about 34 mm. My wrist is about 7 inches, maybe a little less. My Accutron and Marine Star (44 mm) look huge, but that's more the trend now. My black Bulova 23 is tiny by today's standards, its a 32 mm and relatively thin as well. But as far as I'm concerned, when it comes to watches size doesn't matter.   ;)