Zodiac Triple Calendar Chronograph

Why We Love It

We’re excited to share this Zodiac Triple Calendar Chronograph for two reasons. First, just look at it...it’s gorgeous. Secondly, it tells the story of how the watch business worked back in the day.

If you’re a Heuer fanatic like we are, you’ve already realized that this watch looks an awful lot like the Heuer Carrera 12 Dato, and that’s no coincidence. With nearly identical cases, dial, bezels, dials and hands, these two watches (along with one or two others) are all basically the same watch. This was not a case of Zodiac ripping off a Heuer design, rather a prime example of how most of the best Swiss brands relied on the same component suppliers to build their watches throughout most of the industry’s history.

Today, many brands have moved production of these parts in-house, and invested heavily in creating manufacture movements, but this is a thoroughly modern trend and often more a marketing ploy than anything else.

The venerable Valjoux 72c (“c” for calendar) movement powers the Zodiac chronograph, just as it does the Heuer, and as one of the best manually wound chronograph calibers ever created, the Zodiac shrugs off its title as a “Poor Man’s Heuer” with it’s obvious quality. The triple calendar version of the Valjoux movement displays the day, date and month, in addition to a 12-hour chronograph with central seconds counter. The reverse-panda dial is one of our favorite chronograph designs and contrasts perfectly with the subtle blue accents of the outer calendar ring and red-tipped date hand.

Like all of the “Poor Mans Heuers”, the Zodiac presents an incredible value proposition compared with watches bearing more prestigious branding.  Although, this is quickly changing, thanks to enthusiast blogs, forums and social media accounts -  the secret is out and collectors have taken notice.

The Story 

Zodiac is an old brand that's enjoying new life under new ownership. Fossil, its current owners, understand the tremendous staying power of classic designs such as the Sea Wolf. As far as the genuine article is concerned, vintage collectors are now seeing the value of these stunning and sporty watches. 

With roots going back to the late 19th century, the brand that would come to be known as Zodiac distinguished itself from its earliest days with some impressive technical feats. They produced flat pocket watches in the 1920s, some of the industry's earliest automatic watches in the 1930s, and power-reserve complications in the 1940s. As the intention of Ariste Calame when founding Zodiac was to specialize in the production of complicated movements, it’s no surprise that the lineage of technical expertise would live on throughout the brand’s history.

Zodiac is perhaps best-known in today's vintage market for their chronographs, often referred to as "Poor Man's Heuers" because Heuer often manufactured these watches and gave them to Zodiac for rebranding. Another popular watch from this period is the Sea Wolf, known for its slim case (unusual for a diver) and rotating bezel.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.