Hey all,
So I was about to buy a Swiss Army Divemaster from where I work (I get them below cost). I had been looking for a piece to reward myself for paying off student loans and getting a real career. On impulse though, I decided to see what I could get off of eBay. So I'm cruising around, bored to tears looking at old Seikos, Omegas, Rolexes, Breitlings, etc. when suddenly I see this strange looking watch. Upon inspection, it looks very 70s and retro (right up my alley) and it's automatic. Perfect! I start doing some research on it and discover the wonders of Zodiac watches. I'm in love but I decide to sleep on it (even though it's already 3AM) so that I'm not buying totally on impulse.
I slept worse than a kid on Christmas Eve. My girlfriend got up for work at 7AM and I had bought the watch at 7:15.
Today I got my NOS Olympos Automatic SST in the mail and it fits slightly tight when I'm hot but looks so good that I don't care. I'm enamoured with this watch. It's probably the best looking watch I've every seen. It oozes quality and style. I set it and it's running beautifully, like chronometer quality. After work I show it to my girlfriend and show her the quick date adjustment. It works a couple times but then I feel it loose its springiness, like a stuck button on a game controller. I pull the crown out manually and bam, the crown has come off in my hand. Not the best first day of Zodiac ownership :/
So now I'm having my watchmaker friend look at it. He's a bloody genius and can fix anything from Soviet pocket watches to ancient Hamiltons so I'm not too worried, especially since the stem still looks intact. Hopefully this is just a hiccup that ensures I have a watchmaker look at it early on so I can avoid further problems since it's my new baby.
Welcome to the vintage zodiac world.
If your watchmaker is not a vintage Zodiac expert, we have one that services our watches here and
gets the job done right the first time and for a fair price. He also has parts for our watches, so keep that in mind.
Post some pics of your purchase and I am sure other will help out where they can.