Vintage ZentRa Antichoc Calibre 841 17 Jewels Beautiful Bullseye Dial Serviced

Vintage ZentRa Antichoc – Calibre 841 – 17 Jewels – Beautiful Bullseye Dial – Serviced
ZentRa is a fascinating name in German watchmaking history, with origins dating back to the 1920s. Unlike conventional watch manufacturers, the brand grew out of an association of independent German watchmakers who wanted to offer reliable, high-quality watches at reasonable prices. Originally associated with the name Centra, the distinctive spelling ZentRa, with its unusual capital R, was adopted in 1927. The brand became known for its emphasis on quality and reliability, even promoting its watches with the charming slogan “Die treue Gefährtin” — “The Faithful Companion.” Another memorable advertising phrase was “Die Uhr mit dem Reifezeugnis” — literally, “The Watch with a Certificate of Maturity,” reflecting the importance placed on quality and technical standards. This beautiful example most likely dates from the 1950s or early 1960s, a period when mechanical wristwatches combined traditional craftsmanship with increasingly expressive designs. Inside is a 17-jewel, manually wound mechanical movement marked Calibre 841, operating at 18,000 beats per hour (300 beats per minute). The movement features shock protection, reflected in the Antichoc inscription on the dial. The gold-plated case measures approximately 34 mm in diameter, excluding the crown, a classic size for a gentleman's wristwatch of this period.

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of this particular watch is its stunning two-tone “bullseye” dial, with a deep black circular centre surrounded by a contrasting silver-coloured outer ring. Beautiful applied gold-tone hour markers, an elegant red central seconds hand and the distinctive ZentRa signature create an exceptionally attractive composition. The dial has survived in almost immaculate original condition, something particularly pleasing in a watch of this age. Both hands and all twelve hour markers feature luminous material, producing a beautiful turquoise-green glow under ultraviolet light. This gives the watch another fascinating visual dimension beyond its already striking appearance in daylight.

The mechanical movement has undergone inspection and maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication where necessary. It runs strongly and enthusiastically, keeping good time. The case has been ultrasonically cleaned and remains in very good condition, with only minor wear to the gold plating, mainly on the inner sides of the lugs. Such limited wear suggests that the watch may have spent relatively little time on the wrist during its long life. The original crystal has been carefully polished, restoring its clarity and allowing the beautiful dial to be fully appreciated. A new leather strap completes the watch.
This is a wonderfully attractive example of mid-century German watchmaking heritage — a mechanical timepiece with an interesting history, distinctive styling and a remarkable state of preservation. Its unusual dial and elegant proportions give it a character that photographs can hardly capture. A watch that looks beautiful in daylight and reveals another side of its personality under ultraviolet light.

Collection or registered insured postage available – e10 in Ireland