Triple Date Moonphase Watch Reference 908 History

[ericisback]

It is my understanding that the Triple Date Moonphase Watch had two generations:

First generation :
- movement hand wind ref. 905 cal.12S or cal.1100
- movement automatic ref. 908 cal.1402

Second generation :
- movement automatic ref. 742-908 cal.74 silver case
- movement automatic ref. 743-908 cal.74 gold plated case

Does anyone know exactly when the 1st generation was introduced, and how long after that until the 2nd gen was introduced?

I have seen the catalogue from 1955 that shows a 1st gen 905 and 908; however, the catalogue from 1953 did not have them.

[Butch]

I have this same understanding.

[bumo79]

Hi. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to estimate the exact dates of introduction of these models because much of the archival material was lost with the bankruptcy of the company in 1979. The only things we have are surviving catalogs, press materials and advertisements. Based on what I've been able to find, the 905 model was available as early as 1949, as evidenced by an advertisement in the Zodiac Archive book. It is also presented in the catalog of 1952 (cal.12) and 1955 (catalog name Edward 1736) already together with the automatic model (catalog name Leonard 1732). In the next material from 1961 only the automatic model is presented, which allows us to conclude that ref.905 has ceased to be produced. I have in my possession a full set of ref.905 with a proof of purchase from 1959, which allows me to make the claim that the model was certainly produced in
1949-59.
Ref.908 of the first generation appears in the 1955 catalog and is offered to customers in an unchanged version also in 1961, which gives evidence that the second generation could not have been produced in 1961- 1962.
The Grant (catalog name 1737) because that is the name of the second-generation Ref.743-908 model did not show up until 1964 and in my opinion it was produced until 1975, as it no longer appears in later catalogues. . These are my personal observations and I would be happy to learn more about TDMP if anyone has any additional information. Dawid.

Cheers !!!

[Butch]

Thanks for contibuting Dawid!

[ericisback]

Hi. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to estimate the exact dates of introduction of these models because much of the archival material was lost with the bankruptcy of the company in 1979. The only things we have are surviving catalogs, press materials and advertisements. Based on what I've been able to find, the 905 model was available as early as 1949, as evidenced by an advertisement in the Zodiac Archive book. It is also presented in the catalog of 1952 (cal.12) and 1955 (catalog name Edward 1736) already together with the automatic model (catalog name Leonard 1732). In the next material from 1961 only the automatic model is presented, which allows us to conclude that ref.905 has ceased to be produced. I have in my possession a full set of ref.905 with a proof of purchase from 1959, which allows me to make the claim that the model was certainly produced in
1949-59.
Ref.908 of the first generation appears in the 1955 catalog and is offered to customers in an unchanged version also in 1961, which gives evidence that the second generation could not have been produced in 1961- 1962.
The Grant (catalog name 1737) because that is the name of the second-generation Ref.743-908 model did not show up until 1964 and in my opinion it was produced until 1975, as it no longer appears in later catalogues. . These are my personal observations and I would be happy to learn more about TDMP if anyone has any additional information. Dawid.

Cheers !!!

Thanks so much for this info!!!  Very helpful!!!!  One last question.... your 908 has the word "CALENDAR" below the moon phase; mine does not.  Do you know if this is because of the manufacturer date?  And if so, which came first?  You have the largest collection of  Triple Date Moonphase watches I have seen in one place.  Would you consider giving us a list of the serial numbers?  I'm trying to date mine.  My serial number is 390067:

[bumo79]

As I wrote above, unfortunately, no archives have survived that allow access to serial numbers to determine the exact date of manufacture of a particular model. I only own one ref.908, the other 2 are ref.905.
The black dial and moon phase have been refinished. The automatic and calendar fonts were reapplied, as were the numerals in the pointer date, since the original inscriptions were hardly visible anymore. I believe that, all ref.908 should have the calendar inscription, as they are presented in the 1955 and 1961 catalogs, which proves that the models were not subjected to facelifts and visual changes. My model has a high serial number so it was certainly made much later than yours, but when exactly - that's a question I don't know the answer to, unfortunately. Cheers !!!