Grandads Masonic Zodiac

[SteveB]

I picked my avatar from the list of options here as I have not found another one in searches but mine has a second sweep.  I would love to hear anything someone might be able to tell me.  Well made and does not look like it has ever been opened.  I am guessing the L inside the O on the back means "Layered Gold" with the plating in excellent condition.  Minor marks that would polish.  The crystal is plastic I think so the marks there can be removed (I think)

Nice condition with a few minor marks from rattling around in a jewelery box for the past 40+ years.  It needs a good cosmetic once over but seem to run and keep wonderful time. 

Nice forum you have here.  Thanks for letting me join.

[Butch]

Sorry to disappoint you but that is a 14K solid gold case you have there. THe valuse of that watch is in the $300-400 range.     NOW... Read through this before you wind it again. Welcome to the forum!

http://www.vintagezodiacs.com/watchrepair.php

[SteveB]

Sorry to disappoint you but that is a 14K solid gold case you have there. THe valuse of that watch is in the $300-400 range.     NOW... Read through this before you wind it again. Welcome to the forum!

http://www.vintagezodiacs.com/watchrepair.php

Best disappointment I think I have ever received.  I know I should have not wound it but I did anyway.  I gave the crown a few turns and the second hand started so I left it to run down.  It did smoothly so I went a bit further the next time.  It has been keeping time for almost a week now with a gentle daily winding.

Any idea of the date?

[SteveB]

I am going to let it run down so it can go in for service but that comes with its own concerns.  Knowing it is solid gold getting it open and back together without damage or losing the fit lines could be a problem.

I am not new to mechanical watches and have a shop I trust with my Model 1507 Datejust but this is different.

[Butch]

Any idea of the date?

You can find this model in the 60's and 70's catalogs.

[SteveB]

60's or 70's?  Really?  I would have thought it much older.  When did Zodiac start using the sigil above the name?

Anything that new would have been something my father had purchased using the ol "that was my dads" ploy to get it past my mom.  I am a past master myself so will keep the watch to wear at times.

[Butch]

They had them in the 50's as well. The caliber of the movement, along with its markings will help to date it to the decade.

Zodiac was always a small enough company that they were willing to do presentation watches. You run into them all over the net, including some with Arabic writing.

[SteveB]

My fathers father passed in 1953 so I thought it was most likely pre-war.   The twist o flex is like a tank tread to me but the watch overall is quite delicate.  Much thinner than most of the wind up watches of the time you indicate.  I consider it a great find and think it will make a great suit watch with a dark Brown leather band

I found piles of watches with masonic dials on the web but the only one marked Zodiac I found was when I registered here.  Arabic lettering would most likely represent one of the Rites.  I would most likely know the difference if I saw one and could tell you.  Scottish Rite, York Rite, Knights of Malta all used a variation on the theme.

My googlefu is normally quite strong so I would appreciate links if you might have a few.