A little project

[doog]

I managed to pick up this little Zodiac incaSecurit Hermetic last week for next to nothing as a project to see if I can return it to some semblance of its former glory. As you can clearly see it has had a hard life, but despite that is still running, just losing a couple of minutes per day. The movement itself seems to be in reasonable condition, but appears to be missing a couple of screws, presumably movement clamps. The gasket appears completely wrong as well, and is in very fragile condition. The dial has a lovely golden patina and the lettering, indices and lume plots all seem to have survived quite well, the only real issue being the obviously incorrect hour hand. The crystal is reasonable but has some obvious stress cracks when viewed from the side. The major problem is the case, which has lost almost all of its original chrome finish, and has become quite pitted and all the lugs are damaged to a greater or lesser extent, presumably from a metal bracelet. Not sure if I can build up the missing metal by brazing, or whether it would be better to try and find a less damaged one. One of the spring bars has been permanently brazed in as well, which really doesnt help. If any fellow forum readers would like to offer any advice, or point me in the direction of some correct hands or better case, it would be very gratefully received. Not sure of the date of the watch either, the only clue I have is a watchmakers mark on the caseback which looks like 7/49.

[doog]

Sorry, I meant incorrect minute hand. Oops.

[Ultra-Vintage]

I have always loved the little 40s Zodiacs like that.  They have such a great look, if they were a little bigger I think that they would get more respect to collectors today (much like other similar watches from the time like the Mido Multiforts).  On the other hand, some of these people nowadays think wearing a hubcap on your wrist is in style 

I can't quite tell from your pics, but many of these originally had gaskets made of lead.  Occasionally you will still find them that way.  That is a nice caliber, I have serviced quite a few.  I am sure the movement will work out fine.  Considering it is Incabloc it was advanced for the time, as many of the companies were still not spending the extra $ to use that feature in their calibers.

[doog]

Hi UV, nice to have it confirmed that it is actually 40s, what little reference I managed to find on the web pointed me in that direction. The gasket is a white plastic/rubber material and doesnt seem to fit at all, there is at least a 2mm gap between the movement and the case and it is just rattling around achieving not very much.

[doog]

Further to UVs comment above, upon further investigation the gasket appears to fit on the inside of the case back rather than around the edge of the movement. Pic is attached. Going to have a look at how to go about repairing the case this weekend, so I need to take the movement out. Any ideas on how you remove the crown on this reference? Any help gratefully accepted.

[Butch]

My guess is to loosen the smaller center screw.

[Ultra-Vintage]

My guess is to loosen the smaller center screw.

[doog]

  Thanks guys, much appreciated. I shall keep the forum updated as to progress.

[Butch]

Have look at these Doog.

http://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/index.php/topic,2873.msg12273.html#msg12273

[doog]

That is a cracking collection. I doubt I'll achieve anything quite in that league but thanks for the inspiration.

[Butch]

The Hermetics are cheap. It is the restoration that has the costs.

[zopetie]

zodiac orditer with the blue dial,and the red dot.i have three of them,and i can't wind them up,because the crown is so close,could anyone let me know what to do thank you.

[YuriyV]

 Send them in for service.