Help with an old Zodiac

[keithtr]

Okay forum - I'm hoping someone can identify this one for me.  My grandfather started the Clebar Watch Company and became the sole importer/wholesaler for Zodiac in the 1940s.  This was found in my father's effects after he passed this may.  While I've seen many zodiacs over the years, haven't been able to identify this one yet... would love some help.

Kind Regards,

Keith Trauner

[Butch]

Hi Keith,

Looks like a Glorious but it has been redialed. Hope all is well.

Butch

[keithtr]

yes, looked like that to me but seems earlier.  also possible it was a prototype - we had a few of those in the family.  I still have a Zodiac with my three-year old face on the dial that was made as a possible "premium" item for corporate incentive sales.  Let me know if you have any further thoughts...

Kind regards,

Keith

[Butch]

Well, to be honest I have not seen one with those hour markers. Maybe one of the others have though. The 2 tone dial and construction screams Glorious to me. The dial had definitely been redone, or was not done right the first time.

[Grossisten]

Hi Keith,

I was happy to read your post - I feel I can relate somewhat, since my father was the sole importer of Zodiac to Denmark for about 30 years. He also left a few interesting Zodiacs. I'll share some photos if your are interested?

Best regards

Soren Chr. Andersen

[keithtr]

Sure!  My grandfather and father represented Zodiac in the US from the 1940s to the late 1970s or so.  They also were the importer/wholesaler for Vacheron Constantin for a number of years - of course, the 1970s was a long time ago!

I'll try to dig out the watch I mentioned.  It's pretty funny to see my 3 year old face on a watch dial.

Kind regards,

Keith

[Ultra-Vintage]

I agree with Butch.  It is in the style of a Glorious, but I have never seen that minute/marker track either.  I can only see some of the dial, and nothing is 100% sure unless it was in hand to check out, but it could be an original dial.  It looks more crisp than most refinishes, and the Zodiac font is correct (which most refinishes are not, or they use a Zodiac signature from a different model or era).  So with the history and your grandfathers association with the company it is possible that it could be a prototype, or a model that was never put into full production.

[keithtr]

Thanks for the comments.  I'll post some better pictures after this coming weekend when i have it in my hands.

Kind regards,

Keith