Zenith Extra info/id

[Freddy]

I recently picked up a Zenith PW at an estate sale while on my travels through Canada. The flawless Monty dial states "Zenith Extra RR 56". It is 16s, 21 jewels, micrometric regulator, adjusted six positions and temperature. I know it is listed as a Canadian Pacific Railroad Approved watch as of 1957. Can anyone give me more info on this? Quality seems to be right up there with a 992B. I have several Zenith prewar watches but have never seen a later post WWII 21 jeweled one such as this. The movement is pristine, the case has only very light wear, and I bought it on the spot as soon as I laid eyes on it. My watchmaker already offered me $50 over what I paid for it so I fiqure this ones a keeper. Anyways, any further information on this Zenith model would be appreciated.

Fred Van Krieken

[Freddy]

I recently picked up a Zenith PW at an estate sale while on my travels through Canada. The flawless Monty dial states "Zenith Extra RR 56". It is 16s, 21 jewels, micrometric regulator, adjusted six positions and temperature. I know it is listed as a Canadian Pacific Railroad Approved watch as of 1957. Can anyone give me more info on this? Quality seems to be right up there with a 992B. I have several Zenith prewar watches but have never seen a later post WWII 21 jeweled one such as this. The movement is pristine, the case has only very light wear, and I bought it on the spot as soon as I laid eyes on it. My watchmaker already offered me $50 over what I paid for it so I fiqure this ones a keeper. Anyways, any further information on this Zenith model would be appreciated.

Fred Van Krieken

[Kent]

Fred

1,000 Extra RR 56 watches were imported into Canada in 1956. They were designed specifically for Canadian railway service at the request of their Canadian representative, in Hamilton, Ont., Peter Kushnir. 500 had Montgomery dials with an inner ring of 13-24 hour numbers. The second 500 were the same, but without the Montgomery minute numbers.

You have a nice watch. Please tell us the serial number on the movement.

Thanks,
Kent :smile:

[This message has been edited by Kent (edited 07-28-2002).]

[Freddy]

Thanks Kent. The serial # is 4679346. The movement is also marked Zenith Extra and R.R.56. The case appears original with the screwback marked Fortune (tree trademark), 10K Goldfilled, Case Made In Canada, Sturdy, serial#, and Zenith with a star. There are no watchmaker service markings inside the screwback so who knows if it was ever serviced. I'm sure it needs a cleaning as the balance is just a bit sluggish, but as the movement hasn't a knick on it I think I'll just leave it as is to look at. It appears I have the more desirable Montgomery triple number track dial - outer minute markers with 5 minute increments in red, 1 - 12 hour numerals, and the inner 13 - 24 hour numerals in red. Also marked Zenith Extra R.R.56 and 21 jewels anti-magnetic. It doesn't appear to have been carried much at all due to just light scratch wear on the caseback. I wasn't aware this was a CP Rail Approved watch when I bought it otherwise I would have asked if it had been used at all in that capacity. I feel fortunate to have come across it.


Fred Van Krieken

[Kent]

Fred:

Thanks for the information.

Kent :smile:

[Ball992B]

Peter displays a few excellent Swiss made RR grade watches including the 23 jewel Omega DDR, Zenith 56 and Longines Express. All very nice movements.

This will get a few feathers ruffled....
I asked him what he thought the best 16 size RR approved movement was in his opinion.

To my complete suprise.

With a short hesitation he replied "Vanguard 23 jewels are a pleasure to work with but the Zenith 56 was an incredible time keeper". I cannot say for sure eh... the one you buy today that is the best".

That day it was a 999B :smile: