Zodiac Zodia-Chron 'Hermetic' Chronograph

Zodiac is a brand that few know - but those that do - really know.

In the mid-1950s, Zodiac, then a renowned and well-respected Swiss manufacture, introduced the Sea Wolf.  While not really debuted until the early 1960s, the Sea Wolf is now considered to be among the first purpose-built dive watches to be manufactured, right alongside the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and the Rolex Submariner.

The success of the Sea Wolf ushered in a new era for Zodiac and allowed the brand to expand its design language to include other tool watches for different uses - such as the Zodia-Chron chronograph, World Time travel watches, and the Aerospace GMT.

The piece that we have here, a Zodia-Chron, may not have landed on the moon, completed hot laps at Daytona International Speedway or even guided Allied bomber squadrons, but it’s got all the characteristics of the watches that did, right down to the ever-reliable Valjoux 72 that powers it.

Coming in with a 36mm steel case with slightly angled lugs, an externally mounted black aluminum tachymeter bezel, dual 'barrel' pushers, and a signed crown, it features a beautiful, brushed silver ‘albino Panda’ Tritium dial with applied indices, a triple-register dial layout with a slightly smaller register at the 6 o'clock position, a grey chapter ring with subtle yet sporty red accents, and a matching handset.

Powered by the aforementioned, venerable Valjoux 72 hand-cranking movement, this piece comes fitted to its correct J.B. Champion stainless steel bracelet with a signed blade clasp.

This piece is an underrated vintage gem and the epitome of "punching above its weight class."

Rare, niche, and beautifully made, these are overlooked by many, but absolutely should not be by you.

Zodiac in its current guise produces affordable tool watches as part of the Fossil Group, who thankfully appreciate the brand’s heritage and wide appeal. However, the Swiss-founded firm is notable for one of the most important developments in modern watchmaking history: namely, the commercially available dive watch.

Though preceded chronologically by the Omega Marine of 1932, the 1953 Zodiac Sea Wolf — which debuted alongside the more famous Rolex Submariner and Blancpain Fifty Fathoms that same year — provided the benchmark for contemporary dive watch design. Slightly later, its availability at overseas PX’s (post exchanges) on American military bases entered it into Vietnam War-era horological lore.

Zodiac was well placed to present such a watch on the international market, having developed flat pocket watches in the 1920s, early automatic watches in the 1930s and power reserve complications in the 1940s. In fact, the company’s horological prowess extends all the way back to 1882, when founder Ariste Calame opened a watchmaking workshop in Le Locle, Switzerland. More complicated watches followed, including the Aerospace GMT, which featured a bi-directional, two-tone bezel and a GMT hand in the vein of its contemporary dual-time brethren from the likes of Rolex.

The company’s chronographs from the 1960s — including the wildly complicated, Valjoux-powered triple calendar — are no less notable. Available in black or white “panda” or “reverse panda” dials, many of these chronographs are more affordable alternatives to offerings from larger, blue-chip brands such as Heuer and Breitling.

Though values have increased somewhat over the past five to 10 years, vintage Zodiac remains a refuge for those interested in genuine, purpose-built tool watches developed for working professionals at prices that don’t break the bank.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.