My father-in-law showed me his vintage Zodiac over the holidays. I took it home to take some photos and have a look at the condition of the movement. He got it while serving in Vietnam -- he traded an alarm watch for this chrono. It was originally purchased at a Navy Exchange and is ~1971. It was a daily wear for many years.
Does anyone know any further info on this particular watch model? I noticed a picture of the same model in the reference gallery. Specifically I'm curious what year this came out, and if the model range had a name (like the SeaWolves, Olympos, or Astrographics). The model number on the case between the lugs is 7823. Maybe it had a catchy name too?
It looks like a great candidate for restoration. I found the movement is a Valjoux 7732 rebadged as a Zodiac Calibre 84. It runs in spurts and appears in decent condition. The pushers are missing. The case does not have any deep scratches, and the acrylic should polish up nice. The dial and hands look great.
I'm a regular on several other watch forums, and was glad to discover this site and forum. Lots of great info! I think I might have caught the bug for vintage Zodiacs now.
JP
(https://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7169%2F6610139417_4453fd1bc3_z.jpg&hash=d87ba897b9db08c84fa719a04d3b5c1f1f0276c3) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jp28800/6610139417/)
Zodiac Chrono 1971 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jp28800/6610139417/#) by jp28800 (http://www.flickr.com/people/jp28800/), on Flickr
(https://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7030%2F6610139347_0e540583b4_z.jpg&hash=6f091268ecaad9e02135fc915a8e1b57e08c66b1) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jp28800/6610139347/)
Zodiac Chrono 1971 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jp28800/6610139347/#) by jp28800 (http://www.flickr.com/people/jp28800/), on Flickr
(https://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7026%2F6610139379_139b09f880_z.jpg&hash=dd7f8f5fa487126611a099eb43b714f68eb19a99) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jp28800/6610139379/)
Valjoux 7732 (Zodiac 84) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jp28800/6610139379/#) by jp28800 (http://www.flickr.com/people/jp28800/), on Flickr
(https://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7158%2F6610139453_145b9dcb54_z.jpg&hash=dd1a166f3962673bcb3bcc4167f971c38f1d827c) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jp28800/6610139453/)
Zodiac Chrono 1971 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jp28800/6610139453/#) by jp28800 (http://www.flickr.com/people/jp28800/), on Flickr
(https://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7009%2F6610442423_130bb85a60_z.jpg&hash=20fc7e2277afb75c4a795049d1c7f4d02170839d) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jp28800/6610442423/)
Zodiac Chrono 1971 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jp28800/6610442423/#) by jp28800 (http://www.flickr.com/people/jp28800/), on Flickr
:welc
Nice looking Chronograph. That is pretty much all they were called, Zodiac Chronographs with a description of the watch.
Butch and others know more about the particular movement.
That is worth having restored. Click on Watch Repair if you want more information on our trusted Zodiac watchmaker.
A quick search shows this model to be in at least one of the catalogs in the 1970s series on ZodiacCatalogs.com.
Thanks for the info! Too bad there's no catchy name for this model. But I suppose it could be called a "Zodiac Panda" for the dial color scheme (à la AP ROO Panda, Speedy Panda, Daytona Panda, Luminor Panda, etc.)
Hello and welcome,
That is a very nice chronograph my early 70's catalog calls that 4571 Chronograph white dial and 4572 chronograph black dial
My dealers list price sheet puts that watch's suggested price at $125.00.
Get that beauty fixed at the watchmaker known through this site and you will be thrilled with the outcome. Enjoy the ride and by all means,
Keep it Real- OC
Thanks OC, Interesting stuff. Inflation adjusted $125 purchase price in 1971 would be $698 in 2012. Were these typically sold at a heavy discount below MSRP back in the day (like most watches are now)?
I was curious, has anyone here switched out their Zodiac acrylic crystal for a custom fitted sapphire crystal? I suppose anything is possible for a price. Though especially expensive for a domed profile.
Nice looking watch. I didn't know they could custom a domed sapphire for you. Let us know how that goes if you do it.