Rare and Attractive: Zenith A384

Phillip’s Auctions (and Aurel Bacs) are notorious for overusing the phrase ‘rare & attractive’ in listing descriptions. However, if they wrote ad copy for this A384, I would make an allowance. To address the former, it is actually rare. Rössler’s book Zenith: Swiss Watch Manufacture Since 1865 estimates just 2600 examples were produced. And to address the latter, just use your eyes.

The squared-tonneau case, preserved tritium, 420 date window, and red block seconds hand are simply perfect. That aesthetic has lived on in Zenith’s defy line through to today. Recently, Zenith released a re-edition: the A384 Revival. It’s lovely, but this is better.

To finish out the Phillip’s copy we can also fairly call this example well-preserved. The case has remarkable sharp edges for a 1970s manufacture. Its dial (service dialed*) is wholly intact with aged-cream lume and all. Even its movement is looking unreasonably ageless. Top condition all around. I’m not an expert in these. There are no guarantees on eBay, so please research. If you do, the A384 does seem like remarkable value today. I wouldn’t expect it to hang around the auction block long.

Find this A384 here on eBay for 6899 USD.

*Thank you to Watchuseek forum member VintageVagabound for noting that this is in fact a service dial.