Zeno-Watch Basel De Luxe 17 Jewels Incabloc (C-Shape Case)
Field Watch / Casual Dress Watch · Zeno-Watch Basel (Independent Swiss Brand), known for affordable pilot and field watches.
Period: Vintage (1970s / Neo-Vintage Style). The C-shape tonneau case and bold block Arabic numerals are characteristic of 1970s utilitarian design.
Type
Field Watch / Casual Dress Watch
Brand
Zeno-Watch Basel (Independent Swiss Brand), known for affordable pilot and field watches.
Movement
Manual-Wind, likely an ETA or Peseux 7001 variant or similar ebauche, 17 Jewels, Incabloc shock protection system, sub-seconds movement.
Dimensions
34mm to 36mm diameter, 9mm thickness, 40mm-42mm lug-to-lug, 18mm lug width.
Description
This Zeno De Luxe features a classic 1970s 'C-shape' case that offers a robust, tool-watch aesthetic. The cream dial with its bold, military-inspired numerals provides excellent legibility, while the manual-wind movement offers a tactile connection to traditional horology. It is a quintessential example of Zeno's focus on practical, entry-level luxury.
Key Features
Tonneau case shape, sub-seconds complication at 6 o'clock, Incabloc shock resistance, and distinctive 'De Luxe' cursive branding.
Dial Description
Cream/Off-white dial with black printed 'stencil' style Arabic numerals, small seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock (missing hand in photo), baton hands, and '17 JEWELS INCABLOC' text.
Case Material
Chrome-plated brass or stainless steel (typical for Zeno of this era). Brushed finish on the front with polished case sides.
Crystal Type
Acrylic/Hessalite (domed), showing some light scratches consistent with age.
Bezel Details
Fixed integrated bezel, smooth polished finish, part of the monobloc/tonneau case design.
Crown & Pushers
Small, knurled push-pull crown located at 3 o'clock; no crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Blue textured leather strap with matching blue stitching and a simple pin buckle.
Caseback Details
Likely a screw-down or snap-on solid stainless steel caseback with Zeno logo and water resistance markings.
Movement Type
Manual-Wind, likely an ETA or Peseux 7001 variant or similar ebauche, 17 Jewels, Incabloc shock protection system, sub-seconds movement.
Water Resistance
Vintage rating (likely 30m/3ATM originally), currently not recommended for water exposure.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, assembled in Basel, Switzerland using outsourced Swiss movements.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970s (Vintage) or a 1990s early-revival model (Neo-vintage).
Cultural Significance
Represents the era of Swiss watchmaking where smaller independent brands survived the Quartz Crisis by leaning into mechanical heritage and utilitarian designs.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Note: The small seconds hand at 6 o'clock appears to be missing. The case shows surface scratches and the strap shows wear near the lugs. The crystal has light scuffing.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD. Value is currently lowered due to the missing sub-seconds hand and unknown service history.
Care & Maintenance
Manual wind until resistance is felt once daily. Service every 5-7 years. Avoid water contact due to vintage gaskets. Requires replacement of the missing sub-seconds hand.
Similar Watches
Hamilton Khaki Field, Vintage Omega Geneve (ST 131.0019), Tissot Seastar (Vintage versions).
Interesting Facts
Zeno-Watch Basel is an independent company founded in 1868. They gained significant popularity in the 1990s for their oversized pilot watches using New Old Stock (NOS) movements.