Zeno-Watch Basel 'De Luxe' Vintage Manual Wind (Ref. Unspecified)
Field Watch / Casual Dress · Zeno-Watch Basel; Independent Swiss manufacturer known for pilot watches and oversized cases. A mid-tier heritage brand.
Period: Modernist Tool Style (mid-1960s to early 1970s). The integrated tonneau-style lug design and 'Incabloc' text are typical of this era's functional aesthetics.
Type
Field Watch / Casual Dress
Brand
Zeno-Watch Basel; Independent Swiss manufacturer known for pilot watches and oversized cases. A mid-tier heritage brand.
Movement
Manual-winding mechanical caliber, 17 Jewels, featuring the Incabloc shock protection system. It likely houses a Swiss workhorse movement like an ETA 2391 or Peseux 7040.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 34-35mm (excluding crown); Thickness: 9mm; Lug-to-lug: 40mm; Lug width: 18mm. It wears larger due to the blocky, wide shoulder design.
Description
This Zeno De Luxe represents the era when watch design transitioned from the small, round cases of the 1950s to the more aggressive, angular geometries of the 70s. The 'De Luxe' designation was often used for their more refined, jewelry-adjacent manual-wind movements. Its highly legible 'field-style' dial contrasts elegantly with the brushed finish of the C-shaped case.
Key Features
Incabloc shock protection; 17-jewel manual movement; Unique 'De Luxe' script logo; Small seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock which is rare for this specific case style.
Dial Description
Matte silver/white dial with a subtle pearlescent texture. Features bold, black printed Arabic numerals in a modern sans-serif font. Thin black baton hands. Small seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock.
Case Material
Chromed Base Metal or Stainless Steel (likely chrome-plated given the wear patterns at the lug corners); Vertical brushed finish on the top surface with polished sides.
Crystal Type
Domed Acrylic (Plexiglass). Visible scratches and age-related clouding at the edges suggest it is original or a period-correct replacement.
Bezel Details
Fixed, integrated polished bezel ring that is part of the monocoque-style case structure.
Crown & Pushers
Standard small push-pull crown with fine knurling for grip, located at 3 o'clock. Likely unsigned.
Bracelet or Strap
Aftermarket blue grained leather strap with color-matched stitching and a simple pin buckle.
Caseback Details
Screw-down solid stainless steel caseback, likely engraved with 'Antimagnetic', 'Incabloc', and 'Swiss Made'.
Movement Type
Manual-winding mechanical caliber, 17 Jewels, featuring the Incabloc shock protection system. It likely houses a Swiss workhorse movement like an ETA 2391 or Peseux 7040.
Water Resistance
Non-water resistant; 'Splash Proof' when new, but current age makes it vulnerable to humidity and direct contact with water.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; Manufacture based in Basel, Switzerland. Uses outsourced high-quality Swiss ebauche movements.
Age Estimate
Circa 1968-1974 based on the typography of the 'ZENO' logo and the transitional case shape.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of Swiss mechanical precision before the quartz revolution, providing reliable everyday tools for the working professional class.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible plating wear on the lug tips where brassing occurs. Crystal has minor surface swirls. Dial remains exceptionally clean with no visible spidering or oxidation. Overall grade: Good.
Value Estimate
Secondary market: $150 - $350 USD. Value is driven by the 'Swiss Made' status and the clean dial, but tempered by the base-metal case wear.
Care & Maintenance
Manual winding should be done daily until resistance is felt. Keep away from water as vintage seals are likely degraded. Service every 5-7 years to prevent pivot wear.
Similar Watches
Vintage Hamilton Khaki, Smiths Military, or Omega Geneve Ref. 131.019. The Omega offers a higher tier finish, while Hamilton provides a more strictly military aesthetic.
Interesting Facts
Zeno was one of the few brands that survived the Quartz Crisis by remaining independent and focusing on niche markets like mechanical pilot watches and oversized chronographs.