Zenith Men's Automatic AF/P Watch

Here is a vintage watch that emanates timeless style with traditional timekeeping mechanics. Featuring an oval / rectangular gold coloured case, this watch has a gold dial as well as golden batons as hour markers. There is a date window set at the six o'clock position and has its hour, minute and second hand set centrally in the watches dial. Approximate dimensions are as follows: Case width: 35mm, Case depth: 8.9mm, Lug to lug: 40.3mm. The watch comes with a Brown leather strap (Not Zenith) with a gold coloured buckle. 

Zenith: Brand History

Founded in 1865 by Georges Favre-Jacot in Le Locle, Switzerland, Zenith is one of the few historic watchmakers to have operated continuously from the same original manufacture. Favre-Jacot pioneered the concept of integrating all watchmaking professions under one roof, ensuring complete control over quality and laying the foundation for Zenith’s reputation for precision and technical excellence.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Zenith became widely celebrated for the accuracy of its timepieces, earning more than 2,000 chronometry awards—a record achievement in Swiss watchmaking. The brand produced highly regarded pocket-watch movements, naval and aviation chronometers, and early wristwatches that showcased clean, functional design.

Zenith’s defining milestone arrived in 1969 with the introduction of the El Primero, the world’s first fully integrated high-frequency automatic chronograph movement. Running at 36,000 vibrations per hour, it delivered exceptional precision and remains one of the most iconic calibres ever created. The movement’s legacy endures today, powering many Zenith chronographs and influencing high-beat horology across the industry.

Despite the challenges of the quartz era, Zenith preserved its mechanical heritage—famously aided by watchmaker Charles Vermot, who safeguarded the El Primero tooling from being destroyed. This act enabled the brand’s mechanical renaissance in the 1980s and contributed to the movement’s revival in later decades.

In the modern era, Zenith continues to innovate with advanced technologies, including Defy high-frequency calibres, skeletonised engineering, and cutting-edge materials. Its collections—such as El Primero, Defy, Chronomaster, and Pilot—embody the maison’s commitment to precision, innovation and authentic Swiss craftsmanship.

Today, Zenith stands as one of the most respected names in haute horlogerie, celebrated for its technical mastery, pioneering spirit and uninterrupted dedication to mechanical excellence.

• On a Zenith dial, “AF/P” stands for “Alta Frequenza / Precisione” — Italian for “High Frequency / Precision.” 

• In practical terms, AF/P denotes a high-beat movement: that is, a movement running at 36,000 vibrations per hour (vph), which improves timekeeping accuracy and the smoothness of the seconds hand sweep. 

• Watches marked “AF/P” by Zenith typically house calibre 405 (automatic with day + date) or 408 (automatic, date only). 

• These movements were produced during a relatively short period — roughly between 1969 and 1971 — making AF/P watches a distinct, narrow vintage cohort. 

• Because of this, AF/P models — whether versions of the “Respirator”, “Captain”, “Spaceman”, or other lines from that era — are often seen as special / upgraded variants of the standard Zenith offerings of the time. 

• The late 1960s and early 1970s was a time of innovation for Zenith: soon after releasing their famous El Primero chronograph movement, they also explored high-frequency automatic movements for date/day watches — hence AF/P. 

• AF/P represents Zenith’s pursuit of precision and performance beyond typical 4 Hz (28,800 vph) movements: by increasing to 5 Hz (36,000 vph), they achieved greater accuracy — something that appeals to collectors who value mechanical sophistication.

• An AF/P-marked Zenith signals a vintage, high-frequency, high-precision automatic — often rarer and more desirable than standard vintage Zenith automatics.

• As with any vintage high-beat movement, servicing and maintenance may be more delicate; parts may be less common, so authenticity and movement condition are important to verify.

• These watches tend to date to a short window (≈ 1969–1971), which can make provenance and accurate dating easier — but also means fewer total units were made, adding to their collectability.

Authenticity and Condition
All items have been meticulously inspected for authenticity. Please note that all pieces are second-hand and may exhibit minor signs of wear consistent with their age. When purchasing vintage products, buyers should expect that items will likely require careful maintenance to preserve their condition over time.

International Shipping
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