Name: Watch
Brand: Zenith
SKU: 45850032
Price: 4190 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (44885 reviews)

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**Canceled -** Canceled by the seller (changed their mind, unable to ship in time, etc.). 

cancelled

Sales history

**Shipped -** Sent to the buyer within 7 days.

shipped

**Items sold -** Items listed by this seller that have been purchased. Includes:

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Paul

United States

Zenith

Silver

1969 ZENITH SUB SEA Midsize Mini "Zebra" Vintage Diver's Stainless Steel Watch - Original Tag

Very Rare Zenith Sub - Gorgeous Condition - Original Tag

Today's offering showcases this all-original with tag Zenith Sub Sea diver's watch with roulette "zebra" dial. 

These Sub Seas are rare as hens teeth, and this version - model 265060 - is one of the rarest. We couldn't won't find another for sale anywhere on the web and there probably is not one offered for in the world right now.

Its been speculated by knowledgeable people that perhaps a maximum 400-500 of each of the various full size variants were made, and it very well could be less. Even fewer of the midsize ones were made. These 32mm "mini Subs" are best suited to someone who doesn't have large wrists.

Back in the 1960s and ’70s, Zenith already showed a unique eye for design that led to some amazing results. This Sub Sea boasts lots of unique features and oddities that make it stand out. Packed into this watch are a "zebra" roulette bezel, Compressor style cushion-shaped case and screwed down crown, and a date window strategically placed between the 4 and 5 o'clock positions.

Adding to that charm is its iconic Gay Frères bracelet with "ladder" links that you will recognize from the El Primero. For those not familiar, when it was independent Freres made bracelets for some very high-end makers including Patek, AP, and Rolex. It was ultimately acquired by Rolex. 

Remarkably, these elements are cohesively brought together by the ingenuity of Zenith's designers and watchmakers. The watch's bold and striking design makes a strong impression - it really packs a punch. Its small size as a skin-diver also ensures it sits comfortably on the wrist, making it a practical and stylish choice for any occasion. 

Powering the watch is its original Zenith automatic movement.

We were fortunate to acquire it in such gorgeous condition. It has all of its original parts down and presents in near new-old-stock condition. It presents in mint condition with hardly any handling wear. It shows only slight partial signs of a touch-up polishing. It looks essentially new-old-stock without very careful scrutiny from a very trained eye. 

Its original bracelet, date stamped in 1969, presents as mint. And its untouched, original dial is mint. Even its crystal is just short of perfect mint.

Its movement is pristine. Any needed servicing has been performed by Master Watchmaker making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

As mentioned included with the purchase is its original blue plastic Zenith hang tag. When we were offered the watch, photos of a second original paper hang tag with the watch's correct model number and serial number on it were sent to us. We've included one of the photos in the listing for your reference. *While we were sent the blue tag, unfortunately we were never sent the paper tag, so only the blue tag is included with the sale.*

We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping time on par with a new Zenith.

In recent Zenith has revived a number of its classic designs to much praise. It is often said that Sub Sea Diver's like this one should be one of them. It's now a coveted vintage piece that stands out for its vibrant aesthetic and historic significance. 

A distinctive watch that will enhance the collection of the vintage high-end watch enthusiast of either gender (or perhaps entice a Zenith or diver's watch collector's wife into the delightful world of vintage watches).

Detailed Appraisal: 

Manufacturer: Zenith

Country of origin: Switzerland

Year built: 1969

Model: Ref. 265060

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Date, Sweep Seconds, Elapsed Time Bezel

Designed for: Men

Case material: Stainless steel

Case markings (outside): 549 D 139

Case condition: Presents in mint condition with hardly any handling wear. It shows only slight partial signs of a touch-up polishing. It looks essentially new-old-stock without very careful scrutiny from a very trained eye. 

Dial: Signed Zenith, silver with applied "wide boy" faceted steel indexes with luminous centers, date aperture at 4, original, mint condition

Dimensions: 32mm wide (excluding crown), 38mm long lug tip-to-tip, 11.5mm thick with crystal

Hands: Original, luminous steel "batons"

Movement type: Signed Zenith, rhodium-plated, 25 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring

Jewels: 25 rubies

Band: Original, signed Zenith, sized to fit a wrist up to approx. just under 7 inches on largest setting, adjustable to fit a wide range of smaller wrist, date stamped 1969, presents as just short of mint condition

Crystal: Acrylic, just short of perfect mint (appears mint to the naked eye) 

Servicing: Any needed servicing has been performed by Master Watchmaker making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping time on par with a new Zenith.

Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate; Original blue plastic Zenith hang tag*

*When we were offered the watch to acquire it, photos of a second original paper hang tag with the watch's correct model number and serial number on it were sent to us. We've included one of the photos in the listing for your reference. *While we were sent the blue tag, unfortunately we were never sent the paper tag, so only the blue tag is included with the sale.*

SKU 8442

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