112nd Auction

2025/5/10

Lot 290

Zenith
Chronometre Port Royal

A very fine and rare vintage wrist chronometer with the legendary calibre 135 movement - one of the most elegant and high-quality Swiss movements ever

Sold

estimated
1.5005.000 €
Price realized
8.000 €
specific features
Case
Steel, push back with owner's engraving.
Dial
Two-coloured silvered, applied indexes, auxiliary seconds, steel Baton hands.
Movement
Manual.
Case no.9651873
Cal.135
Diam.36 mm
Circa1962
Ctry.Switzerland


The stainless steel version of the Zenith Port Royal powered by the legendary calibre 135 is an icon of Swiss watchmaking, combining supreme accuracy and technical sophistication with timeless elegance in a way that is second to none. Dial and movement bear the designation "Chronometer" and are in excellent condition.
The Port Royal’s case impresses with clear layout and classic elegance, that suits both sports events and festive occasions alike. The case appears unpolished, with the pressed back bearing a deeply engraved serial number. The winding crown is original with Zenith’s distinctive "star" logo. The unusual two-coloured dial with large indexes and delicate hands offers excellent readability and a timeless stylishness. The small second is positioned at 6 o’clock. The watch is powered by the prestigious calibre 135 - a chronometer-certified mechanical movement, which is regarded among watch enthusiast as the best manual-wound movement ever. It was developed by Zenith in1948 and awarded the chronometer prize at the Neuchâtel observatory five times in a row from 1950 and 1954.
The Zenith Port Royal with calibre 135 is not only a remarkable piece of superior watchmaking, but also one that bears witness to Zenith’s horological heritage.