When you buy a watch, especially an antique or vintage watch, you often wonder about the year of manufacture. Many manufacturers use serial numbers to ensure the authenticity and tracking of their watches, also allowing to deduce the year of production. This information is only indicative, as some productions may have lasted several months or even more than a year. The release dates below indicate the movements released from the workshops.
Zenith is one of the few companies to have kept records of almost all its watches since its birth.
Zenith allows, thanks to the serial number of its watches, to find the year of production. This number is usually located inside, on the movement, or on the case back.
| Année | Numéro de série |
|---|---|
| 1897 | 280 000 – 299 999 |
| 1898 | 300 000 – 399 999 |
| 1902 | 400 000 – 849 999 |
| 1904 | 850 000 – 949 999 |
| 1907 | 950 000 – 1 049 999 ; 1 100 000 – 1 149 999 |
| 1908 | 1 050 000 – 1 099 999 ; 1 150 000 – 1 199 999 |
| 1909 | 1 200 000 – 1 549 999 |
| 1910 | 1 550 000 – 1 649 999 |
| 1911 | 1 700 000 – 1 749 999 |
| 1912 | 1 650 000 – 1 699 999 |
| 1913 | 1 750 000 – 1 849 999 ; 1 900 000 – 1 949 999 |
| 1914 | 1 850 000 – 1 899 999 |
| 1915 | 1 950 000 – 2 099 999 |
| 1917 | 2 100 000 – 2 249 999 |
| 1918 | 2 250 000 – 2 349 999 |
| 1919 | 2 350 000 – 2 399 999 |
| 1920 | 2 400 000 – 2 549 999 |
| 1922 | 2 550 000 – 2 599 999 |
| 1924 | 2 600 000 – 2 649 999 |
| 1925 | 2 650 000 – 2 699 999 |
| 1926 | 2 700 000 – 2 799 999 |
| 1927 | 2 800 000 – 2 849 999 |
| 1929 | 2 850 000 – 2 949 999 ; 7 000 000 – 7 049 999 |
| 1930 | 2 950 000 – 3 049 000 |
| 1935 | 3 050 000 – 3 149 999 |
| 1938 | 3 150 000 – 3 249 999 |
| 1939 | 3 250 000 – 3 299 999 |
| 1940 | 3 300 000 – 3 349 999 |
| 1941 | 3 335 000 – 3 399 999 |
| 1942 | 3 400 000 – 3 449 999 |
| 1943 | 3 450 000 – 3 499 999 |
| 1944 | 3 500 000 – 3 549 999 |
| 1945 | 3 550 000 – 3 599 999 |
| 1946 | 3 600 000 – 3 649 999 |
| 1948 | 3 650 000 – 3 749 999 |
| 1949 | 3 750 000 – 3 849 999 |
| 1950 | 3 850 000 – 3 899 999 |
| 1951 | 3 900 000 – 4 049 999 |
| 1952 | 4 050 000 – 4 149 999 |
| 1953 | 4 150 000 – 4 299 999 |
| 1954 | 4 300 000 – 4 399 999 |
| 1955 | 4 400 000 – 4 549 999 |
| 1956 | 4 550 000 – 4 649 999 |
| 1957 | 4 650 000 – 4 799 999 |
| 1958 | 4 800 000 – 4 849 999 ; 4 900 000 – 4 949 999 |
| 1959 | 4 850 000 – 4 899 999 ; 4 950 000 – 4 999 999 |
| 1960 | 5 000 000 – 5 259 999 |
| 1961 | 5 350 000 – 5 399 999 ; 5 450 000 – 5 499 999 |
| 1962 | 5 260 000 – 5 349 999 ; 5 400 000 – 5 449 999 ; 5 500 000 – 5 599 999 |
| 1963 | 5 600 000 – 5 699 999 |
Note that between serial numbers 5,000,000 and 5,100,000, more than 17,000 movements are unnumbered. The above years are indicative, as they represent the year of commissioning and delivery. However, if the entire series was not delivered in time, the movements could have been kept in stock and completed 3, 4, and up to 15 years later.
The Zenith register extract is an official document where you can find a detailed description of the model, its functions, its caliber and the date of manufacture according to the serial numbers of the movement and the case of your watch in the Zenith Registers (according to the available information)
Please note that this document does not certify the authenticity of the watch or the origin of its components.
The ZENITH Record Extract does not include an estimate of the value of your watch. For more information on this subject, we recommend that you contact a specialized auctioneer.
Recipe : Digital version: 140 CHF | Printed version: 140 CHF (price at the beginning of 2023)
Languages : this document is available in English and French
Estimated research and completion time: 20 working days
Zenith also offers to analyze your watch to determine if the components are original or not. To do this, the company bases itself on the archives that they have within their manufacture, so the information will be according to the availability of the archives.
If the watch is certified original, it will be returned to you with a certificate of origin from Zenith, specifying a detailed description of the latter (model, movement, case, dial, production date, model ...). Sometimes there may also be reproductions of extracts from catalogs or old advertisements of your watch. To do so, you will have to deposit your Zenith watch in one of the boutiques or authorized dealer.
Recipe : 400 CHF (rate at the beginning of the year 2023)
Estimated research and completion time: 40 working days
What are the most beautiful watchmaking houses?
There are many watchmaking houses known for their exceptional craftsmanship, quality and design. Here are some of the finest watchmakers: Patek Philippe, this Swiss watchmaker is known for its high quality watches and expertise in watch complications. Rolex, known for its precise, reliable and durable watches, as well as its classic and elegant design. Audemars Piguet, for its high-quality luxury watches and innovative, cutting-edge design. Vacheron Constantin, founded in 1755, one of the world's oldest houses, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and elegant design. These houses are all examples of Swiss watchmaking excellence and are considered the finest in the world for their exceptional quality, craftsmanship and design.
How to set a watch?
The setting of a watch may vary depending on its type and movement. Generally, the crown on the right side of the watch is pulled out to set the time and date. Some watches may have other complications, such as a chronograph function or a time zone complication. It is important to note that some watches may require more complex adjustments, such as synchronization with a time signal or movement adjustment. If you're not sure how to set your watch, it's a good idea to consult its user manual or seek the help of a watch professional.
How to buy a watch?
Research brands, styles and prices, choose a model within your budget and taste. Choose a trusted retailer, either online or in-store. Verify the authenticity and quality of the watch, by examining certificates and calling in a watch expert (never rely on photos). Take the time to consider all aspects of the watch, such as size, material, movement and complications. It is important to note that purchasing a luxury watch can be a significant investment, so it is essential to do thorough research to make an informed decision.
Who is Watch Interest?
Watch Interest is a watch media founded in 2021 with a focus on quality in the service of watch passion. Our promise is to provide engaging and informative content that serves the needs of both the discerning watch enthusiast and the seasoned collector: a one-stop destination for information on watches, houses and market news.
About the author
Mathieu CeliPassionate about timepieces, and everything that revolves around them for many years, my ambition is to share my watchmaking adventure, and help you to enlighten yourself on this world that seems so inaccessible, and yet, is not. Every watchmaking story is initiated by encounters, and continues with an endless curiosity, a real addiction to the very embodiment of time.
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