Zenith Disco Volante Date, Model 01-1190-290, UFO Case, Automatic Date, Maroon Dial, circa 1973

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

A Superb and Well-preserved 1970s Zenith Disco Volante Date, Model Ref: 01-1190-290, with a Beautiful Plum Dial and Retro UFO Inspired Case Zenith Watches, established in 1865 by Georges Favre-Jacot in Le Locle, Switzerland, is renowned for its precision and innovation in horology. Favre-Jacot's vision was to create the first integrated manufacture where all watchmaking processes were under one roof, ensuring unmatched quality control. Zenith quickly gained acclaim for its exceptional timepieces, winning numerous awards at international exhibitions. In 1969, Zenith revolutionized the industry with the El Primero movement, the world’s first high-frequency automatic chronograph. This groundbreaking mechanism operates at 36,000 vibrations per hour (vph), providing unparalleled accuracy and a smooth sweep of the seconds hand. Despite challenges like the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s, Zenith persevered by focusing on mechanical excellence. Today, Zenith continues to innovate while honouring its rich heritage. The brand remains a symbol of technical prowess and luxury in Swiss watchmaking, celebrated for both its historical significance and contemporary achievements. What's on Offer “Disco Volante,” meaning “flying saucer” in Italian seems a perfectly apt nickname for this watch - just look at the UFO-inspired case! We are pleased to offer this beautiful and unique piece for sale in such fine condition. It certainly nods heavily toward the free-spirited 1970s in which it was produced and serves as the epitome of retro chic! The rich plum dial is very well preserved and will certainly get you noticed but without it being "in your face". It boasts applied polished metal furniture including baton hour markers with luminous pips and chunky stick hands with a slight pencil tip, also with luminous inserts. There is an unusually placed date aperture between 4 and 5 o'clock, but it works and is a signature of the Zenith brand and they were probably the first brand to start putting a date window in this position! The dial is encapsulated underneath a mineral crystal and encases a wine-coloured jewel-like dial in that super-cool 40mm case. The watch is also paired with its original Zenith bracelet. This is a fairly rare and unusual watch, it looks fantastic on the wrist and is a worthy addition to any collection.