{"product_id":"vintage-zenith-wristwatch-manual-wind-cal-2542-circa-1960s","title":"Vintage Unisex Zenith Wristwatch Manual wind cal.2542 circa 1960s","description":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIFICATION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zenith\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Manual wind cal. 2542\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge: \u003c\/strong\u003eCirca mid 60s\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 31mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase Thickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLug to Lug:\u003c\/strong\u003e 38mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLugs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 16mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e used Zenith watch\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBox \u0026amp; Papers:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless steel back\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWarranty:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12-Months Warranty\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e POINTS TO MENTION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn great pre-owned condition, with light wear from use \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCase and bezel have some light scratches and marks\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSunburst dial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully Serviced manual wind movement\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePaired with an unworn black leather strap \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"523\"\u003eThis quaint Zenith has a 2542 manual wind mechanical movement produced by \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eZenith\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e during the mid-to-late 1960s, approximately between 1964 and 1969, it has 17 jewels, runs at 21,800 bph with centre seconds and shock protection. This was a strong period for Zenith, as the company was developing a range of reliable in-house calibres for both dress and sport watches. The 25xx movement family evolved from designs connected to the Martel Watch Company, which Zenith acquired in 1959, strengthening its technical capabilities and production capacity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"525\" data-end=\"1017\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThe 2542 was the manual-wind movement , while the 2542PC added automatic winding and a date function. These movements were used in a variety of classic 1960s Zenith models, including elegant dress watches and some early sportier pieces. This era directly preceded the release of Zenith’s groundbreaking \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eEl Primero\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e chronograph in 1969, making the 2542 part of an important chapter in the brand’s mechanical development and heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA BIT OF TRIVIA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"599\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eZenith\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e was founded in 1865 in Le Locle, Switzerland, by Georges Favre-Jacot, who was only 22 years old at the time. Unlike many watchmakers of the era who relied on a scattered system of independent workshops, Favre-Jacot brought all aspects of watch production under one roof. This vertically integrated approach was innovative for the 19th century and allowed Zenith to tightly control quality and precision. The brand quickly built a reputation for technical excellence and went on to win over 2,000 chronometry prizes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"601\" data-end=\"998\"\u003eIn the early 20th century, Zenith became known for producing reliable wristwatches, pocket watches, and marine chronometers. One of its most significant early achievements was the development of high-precision observatory chronometers used in timing competitions. Zenith movements were respected for accuracy, and the brand became a supplier for military and professional use in various countries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1000\" data-end=\"1469\"\u003eThe 1960s marked another milestone with the introduction of the legendary \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eEl Primero\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e in 1969. It was one of the world’s first automatic chronograph movements and distinguished itself by operating at a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, allowing for measurement down to 1\/10th of a second. The El Primero became one of the most celebrated chronograph calibres in watchmaking history and remains in production today in updated forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1471\" data-end=\"1896\"\u003eLike many Swiss brands, Zenith struggled during the quartz crisis of the 1970s. Production of mechanical movements was reduced, and the company changed ownership several times. In the 1980s, however, mechanical watchmaking saw a revival, and Zenith regained recognition for its technical heritage. A major turning point came in 1999 when Zenith joined the luxury group LVMH, bringing renewed investment and global visibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePERSONAL NOTE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is a great example of a 60s Zenith watch, which has the fantastic in-house 2542  movement. This is a fine example of a delightful, reliable dress watch, that is made by one of the most prestigious watch brands around. We have brought this Zenith from the past to the present so that you can take it on into the future.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Past2PresentWatches","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57454418690435,"sku":"ZMW25WO","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/2397\/4423\/files\/zenith-unisex-front-_3.jpg?v=1772195609","url":"https:\/\/past2presentwatches.com\/products\/vintage-zenith-wristwatch-manual-wind-cal-2542-circa-1960s","provider":"Past2PresentWatches","version":"1.0","type":"link"}