Finally a Member of the Club!

[danomar]

Hello-

My name is Daniel and I collect watches. Duh.  I have been hankering after a Zodiac chronograph for a long time. I've been trying to snag one of the Heuer-alike versions (I am partial to the Cal.11-12-15 family as well as Lemania 1340 and 5100 movements) but seem to always either miss opportunities or lost on eBay bidding wars. It has been very frustrating for a long time.

Until now.



I am incredibly pleased to have gotten not only a Cal. 12 Zodiac, but also one of the few original (non Heuer-style) Zodiac designs! I think it is a fantastic watch in many ways. I am especially pleased that it comes in the same style of case that houses two of my other favorites:



Yes, they house Valjoux 7750's, but everything else about them is IMO uber-cool.

I do have a question: Does anyone have photos of the 22mm bracelet that originally came with this piece? I would very much appreciate views of the clasp as well to help guide my search. If there is a manufacturer name, that will be very useful.

I got lucky in that I was wearing my Omega 176.007 Seamaster today when the Zodiac arrived. The Omega bracelet is also 22mm. The more I look at it, the more I think it looks pretty good with the Zodiac, but it would be great if I could find the correct item for my watch.

One more question: The crystal has many fine scratches (possibly cracks) and probably will need to be replaced. I do not think buffing will be enough. I already tried polishing and made very little progress with the deeper scratches. Does anyone by chance know of a source for the correct crystal? I can take it to a watch repairer, yes, but it would be nice to cut out one step of the process.

That's all for my first post. No longer a lurker: Now an owner!

[Butch]

Just a guess as I have never bought on of those. It is from the mid 70's and this band was used back then in the US. It was made by JB Champion and had a signed Zodiac clasp.

[Sea Wolf]

Welcome to the club!  Great looking watch.  Check out "Watch Repair" in the navigation bar for more info on restoring that
to it's full glory.  I recall seeing a photo of the brochure for this watch in the forums here somewhere.  Maybe do a search on
show me your chrono or just chrono.  The photo showed your watch with the band on it.

I do like that model and maybe someday will purchase one on the bay, they do come up now and again.

[danomar]

Thanks for the advice!

The watch is already at my repairer. It needs a new crystal. The case is in good enough condition to live with for a while, and the movement appears to be in excellent condition. It looks as though there is oil in the visible jewels and the functions all operate smoothly like a good Cal. 12 should. I have a few others, so I know.

I searched through the gallery already and did not see this chronograph. I'll try searching through posts.

One thing that is not obvious about this case: It is scalloped underneath so it wears VERY comfortably. I have a narrow wrist, and even the crown-forward versions are very nice on the wrist. It is not a big watch by most standards, but it also is not small. I really like the balance of presence and comfort.
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