Zodiac Talk => General Zodiac Discussion => Topic started by: noelekal on November 02, 2016, 12:42:45 PM

Title: New Member Checking In With Forum
Post by: noelekal on November 02, 2016, 12:42:45 PM
The Zodiac is an "accidental" stop in watch collecting for me, yet the few Zodiac watches gathered in have proven to be both enjoyable and most satisfactory to wear. 

The first Zodiac I encountered was quite a few years back and was a Rotographic.  A total of three Rotographics have come to roost here.  The original black dial Rotographic first acquired was a special favorite and was later given to a friend while he was over on a visit from England.

(https://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi263%2Fbryanmcgilvray%2FDSCF0150.jpg&hash=12acb643025633dbf6b26939683cba22e7ba576c) (http://s74.photobucket.com/user/bryanmcgilvray/media/DSCF0150.jpg.html)

(https://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi263%2Fbryanmcgilvray%2FWatches%2FIMG_2518_zpsdj6zifwo.jpg&hash=43e404a8887b92e03c060e093805a0a13c7d609c) (http://s74.photobucket.com/user/bryanmcgilvray/media/Watches/IMG_2518_zpsdj6zifwo.jpg.html)

(https://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi263%2Fbryanmcgilvray%2FWatches%2Fd39d56e4-b688-4de8-9367-7f8969f8ec3c_zpsuzx2swiv.jpg&hash=908af6c7793a5d7e5e4038da3936d63af98c0022) (http://s74.photobucket.com/user/bryanmcgilvray/media/Watches/d39d56e4-b688-4de8-9367-7f8969f8ec3c_zpsuzx2swiv.jpg.html)
This last Rotographic was acquired cheap for the purpose of donating its dial to the middle one, which shows a center drag mark around its dial.  While the mark isn't really apparent in the photograph, the watch when viewed at a certain angle shows the circular mark as being pretty pronounced. 

I prefer gold watches to be of solid gold, don't really care for gold-filled watch cases, and this one shows some wear-through, especially on one lug.  Problem is, this watch does run and keep reasonable time for being unserviced.  A polish with a Kleenex minimizes apparent brassing until it tarnishes again.  I am reluctant now to sacrifice this Rotographic and am thinking of having it rehab'ed. 

I like the Rotographic models.  With an 8-inch wrist diameter I'm suppose to gravitate to the currently popular large diameter watches, but I really don't care for any watch over about 42 mm.  I'm happiest with watches in the 32 mm to 38 mm diameter sizes and vintage Zodiacs "fit" my notions of watch size. 

In perusing Zodiacs on Ebay over the years, I came to appreciate the earlier Sea Wolf models.  Never really a huge fan of dive watches and not having a special need for one, I only admired Sea Wolfs from afar.  After many years I determined to add an example to the watch menagerie kept here.  This one needed help when acquired.  After an aborted attempt to get it repaired with an out-of-town watchmaker I tried out, I found a really good watchmaker who took it in hand and turned it into a real performer.   I think it's an early Sea Wolf.  The movement doesn't provide for hacking and the watch features the solid lume hands. 

(https://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi263%2Fbryanmcgilvray%2FWatches%2F00663cfb-02db-48a0-8189-1ba834d7e705_zpsxwzkoutc.jpg&hash=40e72f034e140a3ebad2f2fe40d7a2b08d324804) (http://s74.photobucket.com/user/bryanmcgilvray/media/Watches/00663cfb-02db-48a0-8189-1ba834d7e705_zpsxwzkoutc.jpg.html)

I've kept an eye out for a proper bracelet for this Sea Wolf, but have not pulled the trigger on Ebay auctions yet.  I'm not certain which style bracelet would be correct.  That's one reason I sought to join this forum. 
Title: Re: New Member Checking In With Forum
Post by: Butch on November 02, 2016, 02:27:54 PM
Nice starter collection! The catalogs are useful for collectors when it comes to things like bands.
Title: Re: New Member Checking In With Forum
Post by: YuriyV on November 02, 2016, 10:26:13 PM
QuoteI've kept an eye out for a proper bracelet for this Sea Wolf, but have not pulled the trigger on Ebay auctions yet.  I'm not certain which style bracelet would be correct.  That's one reason I sought to join this forum. 
Believe, early version of riveted JB Champion (see the picture below) or spring loaded oyster type by Drema (like in recently ended eBay lot 282237434445) would match your model as listed in 1961 catalogue. Any later JB Champion for Sea Wolf and GMT will fit as well.
Title: Re: New Member Checking In With Forum
Post by: YuriyV on November 02, 2016, 10:27:41 PM
Nice collection of Rotographics. Love them.
Title: Re: New Member Checking In With Forum
Post by: Blubarb on November 12, 2016, 01:49:10 AM
That second Roto has a stunning dial and case - want to sell it to me? Go on I dare you!  :#lol
Title: Re: New Member Checking In With Forum
Post by: noelekal on November 24, 2016, 03:51:02 PM
Hi Blubarb;

Haven't I seen you some place before?  Looks like you're a "dually afflicted" watch lover.