Interesting article about Stainless steel in watchmaking. And Staybright in particular:
https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/stainlesssteel.php

Guessing it is late 1930s or early 1940s

No serial number, no. Only the text "STAYBRITE" inside a rectangle. I have no idea how to open this type of case even if I suspect it hinges at one end and may be opened at the other.

Is there a serial numbe on the back? Movement pic?

Hi,

I was recently gifted this watch by a friend. It belonged to her late grandmother and sat in a drawer for years. Her grandmother grew up in Sweden and worked in Germany in the late 40ies before marrying a Dane and settling in Denmark in 1950. As Zodiac to my knowledge was not imported to Denmark before 1953 (when my father became the first official agent) and as the early catalogues in the catalogue site do not feature this exact model (even if some rather similar is in the earliest), I assume it dates to a time before 1950. The dial says "incassable" which I have come across on watches claimed to be from the 1920ies and 30ies which would match the Art Deco inspired style.

Based on your experience - when would you date it to?You cannot view this attachment.

This is absolutely fantastic!!!

Thanks for the radium explanation.

Regarding the writing below the 6 o'clock triangle, I see replacement NOS or used dials for sale without writing below the 6 o'clock triangle . Are these aftermarket dials or authentic Zodiac service dials?

1. Don't disassemble a watch with Radium dial and everything should be okay. Emitted radiation is so small and not enough to go through case and even outer layer of skin.
Minuscule amount radioactive gasses is producing by Radium too. But that amount is so small. We have more of these gasses leaching to our basements from underlying bedrock every day. So I'd not be concerned at all.
Although don't disassemble watch and don't touch dial by hands. Radioactive material could be harmful if swallowed or inhaled.
2. Radium dials are marked by SWISS. Tritium - T SWISS T
Not aware of any other legit markings.

Hello all! I was searching the internet for vintage Zodiac Sea Wolf watches and luckily stumbled on this forum. I have spent the last several evenings and many hours reading up on the Sea Wolf; for example, identifying relumed dials & hand sets.

I have a few questions that I have not discussed:

1. I understand Zodiac used radium lume on older Sea Wolf watches until sometimes in the 1960's. With a half life of 100,000 yrs, what precautions does one take to prevent unnecessary exposure? Or are my concerns unwarranted?

2. I have seen dials with out the SWISS or Tritium markings under the 6 o'clock triangle. Are these service dials with tritium lume?


Thanks in advance.

Vintage Rare Zodiac Jump Hour Manual
And
ZODIAC Mecha-Digi <I just love this one!>

Pakistan, UK, and Japan

385067393515
314102348563
255683235198
394205355998
354229013310
165637671514
165622881175
165622878140
134217371465
144706810140
144709566068
394235274802
134229549520
144731545019