I recently bought this display, that originates from a Swedish retailer - I thought you might enjoy it, hence I share:

The Zodiac name and logo is lit, the original solution having been replaced by LED-lights. In total it measures 50 cm x 20 x 20.

The text is in Swedish, it translates to something like " Those of you who prefer the personal, choose Zodiac".

I still feel that it is more marketing aligned, but someone else may have more insight to that than I do.  If there is something unique and specific to the Hermetic cases in particular, I may not have seen it yet.  I have worked on a "few" Hermetics over the years and have only observed them having the standard technology of the time for moisture resistancy. 

Thanks for replying.

I get the marketing angle, thats clear with most brands. Zoduron (the unbreakable mainspring) is probably another example.

Yet one thing caught my attention and made me wonder: On the catalogue site, a 1960ies guide on how to sell a Zodiac is available. On page 22 a special water-proof case construction is mentioned, that was (it is claimed) particular to Zodiacs watches. Could this be what Hermetic refers to?

Honestly I feel that most watch companies at the time just tried to come up with a name that would be unique and recognizable, imply a specific ability to the watch (whether true or not), and stick in the mind of the consumer.  "Hermetic" obviously meant to convey that the watch is hermetically sealed (sealed in a way that is completely airtight and prevents the passage of any gases, liquids, or solids, ensuring a tight, impermeable barrier), but the Hermetic cases were no different than those of other brands at the time.  They had a moisture/dust barrier consisting of an acrylic crystal frictioned in under tension, a gasketed crown, and caseback gasket.  If the name convinced potential buyers that the "Hermetic" was more moisture resistant than the "Seamaster", "Waterking", or the "Sea Lord", and resulted in more sales then mission accomplished.

What exactly does the label "Hermetic" refer to?

This question has been on my mind for a while. I get that it's a form of water/dust protection - but what is it in fact? Is it a seal, a case shape feature, a way to secure the back? Does anyone perhaps have a photo do demonstrate?

How does Hermetic differ from solutions in other contemporary Swiss watches?

That is (obviously) a redial. This model can be found in the 1970's catalogs.

New here, long time Zodiac collector.  Thanks for welcoming me.

I saw this Super Sea Wolf the other day and immediately noticed the all black dial.  I am used to seeing these with a reverse panda.  Did a bit of digging and could not find another example online. Do you guys have any info on this example?

Thanks.

Today on Instagram I came accross a photo of a Chronograph and its certificate. What was special about it, was that it was allegedly the graduation watch of Pierre Calame, the last of the founding family to head up Zodiac. The watch appears to have been created at the Technicum La Chaux de Fonds, a school located in a town only a ten minute drive from the Zodiac factory in Le Locle.

Pierre Calame was the great grandson of Zodiacs founder Ariste Calame - he took over around 1972 after his father Rene Calame, having already worked for the family business since the early sixties.

This fact made me wonder why he would only graduate as late as 1966 as the certificate indicates - but to my understanding Pierre Calame trained in a different discipline as well, so perhaps he took up watchmaking later while already working for Zodiac in a different capacity.

It appears to have been a pre-requisite for entering the family business that you knew your industry well, both his father and grandfather, Ariste junior, were educated at Le Locles watchmaking school (in the case of Ariste it was recently founded and lead by an important figure in the towns watchmaking culture/society, Jules Grossmann). Later management and marketing skills became perhaps more important in the watch industry, but the Calames insisted on the traditional approach as contemporary news articles indicate.

After reaching out to the owner of the watch I learned that it was bought from a grandchild of Pierre Calame, which vouches for its authenticity, I guess. The owner allowed me to share his pictures.

Which it seems like you already know I found on eBay.....lol