This is a test. Can I link to a video on Instagram here?

Not just any video, but an important recording from my quest to find the origins of Zodiac in Le Locle, Switzerland. I got wiser on a later trip there, but I think you will gain a nice impression from this clip:

View this post on Instagram

I hope you like it.

Look closely and you will see a slight opening where the back meets the case (supposed to be at 9, but rarely is!) and slip a case knife into it and carefully pry up.

latest problem.. I do not see an slots etc on the case back so I assume its pressfit/pry off back. what tool is best to get the case back off without damaging it?

Quote from: Butch on August 21, 2025, 07:36:12 AMI have to agree, it does look a bit off. But is that has been redialed it is literally the best I have ever seen.

Another thought comes to mind. I have to imagine they were done by some machine. Perhaps it was coming up on its maintenance cycle and this is why they have maintenance cycles?

 

 

Thanks, Butch.

Quote from: Butch on August 21, 2025, 07:36:12 AMI have to agree, it does look a bit off. But is that has been redialed it is literally the best I have ever seen.

Another thought comes to mind. I have to imagine they were done by some machine. Perhaps it was coming up on its maintenance cycle and this is why they have maintenance cycles?

 

yes. I recall buying this off Dana now (must keep records) and she is not one for letting something like a redial slip by her.

I have to agree, it does look a bit off. But is that has been redialed it is literally the best I have ever seen.

Another thought comes to mind. I have to imagine they were done by some machine. Perhaps it was coming up on its maintenance cycle and this is why they have maintenance cycles?

 

Hi all

257073183583

I posted this on that auction place 257073183583 and someone has queried if the dial is a refinish or repaint. I just put the print down to sloppy pad work that hasn't aged well over the years - can I get your thoughts please. If it is a redial/repaint then I have some re-evaluation to do.

I noticed the date, thanks for specifying.

This confirms that this message was communicated over a longer period.

Your ad is from 1955, the Swiss magazine I found was issue 4 out of 4 from 1954. The logo may have been introduces earlier in other words, but probably not a lot earlier. I will tentatively stick with 1954 for now.

The dates on any ads I have came from the magazine's publication date.

Very cool piece of the company history puzzle.  I was not sure when the symbol came about and mistakenly assumed they always used it.