Zenith Art Deco Sub Second 18k Pontife 1939

Timeless Elegance from 1939

A design relic from the golden era of Art Deco watchmaking.

This 1939 Zenith dress watch is a true celebration of pre-war elegance. Housed in a 32 mm 18k yellow gold case crafted by famed casemaker Henri Jeanneret, it wears with subtle grace yet unmistakable vintage character. The silver dial, untouched and beautifully preserved, features bold Art Deco numerals and a delicate sub-second register — both hallmark elements of late 1930s design.

What truly sets it apart is the original blued steel Pontife hour hand, a rare stylistic detail that evokes the refined precision of the time. The case, with its fixed lugs and stepped edges, adds a touch of architectural sophistication rarely seen today.

Powered by the manual Zenith Cal. 12.4 movement, freshly serviced, this piece carries not just the elegance of its time, but also the durability to still be worn with confidence today.

- wrist size in our picture is 18cm circumference -

DIAL:

• original never touched silver dial in great condition
• original hands and crown

STRAP & BUCKLE:

• black aftermarket leather strap is fitting up to a 21 cm wrist size / 2 mm thick
• gold plated aftermarket buckle

CASE:

• good overall condition, showing minor traces of use
• 3- body 18k yellow gold case with snap-on case back and fixed lugs; casemaker Henri Jeanneret
• 32 mm (without crown) / 39 mm (lug-to-lug) / 18 mm (between lugs) / 9 mm thick
• Year: late 1939
• total weight: 36 g

MOVEMENT:

• Zenith Cal. 12.4 - manual wind
• 15 jewels, 18000 A/h, 44 hours power reserve
• professionally serviced 07/2025
• -25 sec/d / 280°

BOX & PAPERS:

• GOLDAMMER certificate of authenticity & service documentation card
• GOLDAMMER box

GOLDAMMER REFERENCE: #1044