ZENO 47mm Beobachtungs Uhr – Observers Watch
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ZENO 47mm Beobachtungs Uhr – Observers Watch

Overview: This is a large sized pilots style watch, from Zeno watches of Basle. It was purchased in UK on March 4th 2002. The price was Ј190 (c$300). Zeno watches are now available from Ernie Romers, here at 'watchuseek'

Case:

At 47mm, this watch is a real monster! It is however smaller than the original German Luftwaffe issue watches, which weighed in at a colossal 57mm. It was however designed to be worn over a flying suit, and had to be easily visible in poor light conditions. The 3 piece case is machined from 416L surgical grade stainless steel. It has a lightly brushed matte finish, which is evident over the entire case, including between the lugs, and on the rear bezel that surrounds the view back. The finish is very even, and is executed in a workmanlike manner. The case, including crystal, is 14.43mm thick, though the diameter of the case makes it look thinner. The lugs are 22mm apart. The case back, which comprises a stainless bezel into which is set the view crystal, screws into the case back. 6 equidistant circular depressions are set into the bezel to enable a case tool to be fitted. Whilst I haven’t tried to remove it, none of the studs on my case back tool fit perfectly, and I suspect that damage would occur should I try. The huge crown, 8.85mm in diameter, does not screw into the case, though it must have sealing rings, as the watch is water resistant to 50m. The crown is signed with Zeno’s Swiss cross, inside a shield. This appears to be acid etched, and is a nice touch.

Movement:

The watch is fitted with an ETA/Unitas stem wound pocket watch movement of 16’’’5’’ lignes (36.6mm) in diameter. It is 4.5mm high. It is ‘Incabloc’ shock protected, has an autonomy of 46 hrs, and a leisurely oscillation rate of 1800a/h.

This brute of a movement, which has been around since 1950, has powered many fine and extremely expensive watches. However, in this iteration, it looks to be what it is, a workmanlike movement, no more, no less, and completely undecorated. It ticks away strongly under the view crystal, with the huge balance wheel looking as though it would tow a truck!! There is not even any evidence of polishing on the plates, no blued screws, just a few of the 17 rubies glowing somewhere in that great maw of a movement. It should however prove to be a strong and reliable movement, which at this price, is all you can ask!

Dial and crystal:

Extremely busy, best describes the dial of this watch!! There is a huge minutes chapter with Arabic numbers around the outside of the dial, which can be read at 100 paces! There is a smaller hours chapter 17mm in diameter surrounding the cannon pinion. Set between the two, is the seconds chapter, marked in 10 second increments with Arabic numbers, with sub divisions at 5 seconds, further sub divided for the seconds. Hands are white laquered fils tipped radium style and are filled with Luminova compound. The seconds hand is plain white laquered fils. The minutes chapter, and the main hands are coated with Luminova, which glows strongly when exposed to light. From my experience of Zeno watches, I would expect them to give off sufficient light to remain readable for at least 8 hours. The markings are printed directly onto the dial. The covering of luminous compound is thick and even, and under magnification the whole effect is crisp, without overprinting or blurring. I have always liked the quality of Zeno’s dial printing. Other manufacturers could learn a thing or two, and a few should feel ashamed!! There are mineral crystals front, and rear. The front is cambered, and the rear is flat. Both are acceptable for a watch of this price, but sapphire would be my material of choice. Neither shows any sign of a glare proof coating.

Strap:

The strap is unusual – it flatters to deceive! The 22mm tan waxed leather strap LOOKS for all the world like an expensive item, ala Panerai. It appears to be hand stitched, perhaps it is, and is extremely imposing, but on closer examination, it is not quite what it seems! Leather, yes, hand stitched, probably, handsome, definitely!, but not expensive. It is perfectly adequate, well made, and would fit a 12” wrist, and I prefer it to the black calf item normally fitted to this watch. (The tan strap, is an option, but free to special order) It is fitted with a well made manufacturers deployant clasp, which is push button operated, and has the benefit of a safety lock. Overall, at this price, an excellent bit of kit. I like it!!

Documentation, box and packaging:

The watch is delivered in a good quality wooden (looks like cherry) box, adorned with a bronzed Zeno medallion, about 45mm in diameter on the lid. A really nice touch for a watch of this price! It has a white cardboard slip case. The instruction leaflet, warrantee document is not a big production, but nevertheless, adequate. A fine, good quality package, which at this price point is deserving of high praise!!

Conclusion:

A big watch, with shed loads of character. If you like this kind of thing (and I do), it is probably the best watch of its type at the price, period. Were it to bear other manufacturers names, you would be happy to pay Ј1000/$1500 for it. It’s quality is evident, in feel, looks, and execution. It will attract attention and admiration (it may also attract the odd laugh or two) If it were fitted with an onion winding crown, in my opinion, it would be damn near perfect.

Doug Darter,

Cumbria, UK

March 2002

Added:  Thursday, April 10, 2003

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