Zenith "Top Winder" Cal. 12 N.V.S.I. co-signed J&D Meek Edinburgh
This stunning Zenith 1930’s watch is truly a gem on many levels. I discovered it at a watch fair, and it immediately captured my attention. The seller named a price, but honestly, I was too captivated by the watch to process what he said. My focus was on the striking case design, the quality, and the intriguing co-signature: J&D Meek, Edinburgh. Without hesitation, I said yes—and my journey to uncover its story began.
Why this watch is special? From the 1930s, this watch embodies the impeccable quality Zenith was known for during this era.
Crafted in Staybrite steel, the case features beautifully angular, defined lines. While technically round, it wears more like a tank-style watch, giving it a bold and unique presence. And let’s not forget—it’s a top winder!
Zenith movements of this period are a testament to quality engineering, but this one takes it up a notch. It features a stunning snail regulator, a detail that showcases the elegance of the 1930’s.
The dial is a masterpiece in itself, with elegant Breguet numerals paired with refined hands. Adding to its charm is the co-signature of J&D Meek, a prestigious watchmaker from Edinburgh, which gives this piece an extra layer of historical significance.
J&D Meek was founded by John Meek (1857–1934) in Edinburgh, Scotland. Their shop was located in the centre of Edinburgh at 2 North Bank Street, where Meek, a close friend of Alexander Steuart, took on innovative horological challenges. In fact, Meek manufactured his own Steuart Vacuum Tank Regulator in 1923—a clock so accurate it was claimed to deviate by less than a second per year. This level of precision made it one of the most advanced timepieces in the world, preceding Caesium clocks by decades.
This watch isn’t just a beautiful example of 1930s craftsmanship—it also tells the story of its journey through time. The case shows some scratches, and the dial has developed a patina, evidence of its past. Despite these marks, the crisp lines of the case remain intact, ensuring that this historical piece will continue to shine for generations to come.
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Brand: Zenith
Model: “Top Winder”
Reference: -
Year: ±1935
Material: Staybrite Steel
Dimensions: 30mm diameter
Crystal: Plexiglas
Caliber: Zenith Cal. 12 N.V.S.I (snail regulator)
Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap
This stunning Zenith 1930’s watch is truly a gem on many levels. I discovered it at a watch fair, and it immediately captured my attention. The seller named a price, but honestly, I was too captivated by the watch to process what he said. My focus was on the striking case design, the quality, and the intriguing co-signature: J&D Meek, Edinburgh. Without hesitation, I said yes—and my journey to uncover its story began.
Why this watch is special? From the 1930s, this watch embodies the impeccable quality Zenith was known for during this era.
Crafted in Staybrite steel, the case features beautifully angular, defined lines. While technically round, it wears more like a tank-style watch, giving it a bold and unique presence. And let’s not forget—it’s a top winder!
Zenith movements of this period are a testament to quality engineering, but this one takes it up a notch. It features a stunning snail regulator, a detail that showcases the elegance of the 1930’s.
The dial is a masterpiece in itself, with elegant Breguet numerals paired with refined hands. Adding to its charm is the co-signature of J&D Meek, a prestigious watchmaker from Edinburgh, which gives this piece an extra layer of historical significance.
J&D Meek was founded by John Meek (1857–1934) in Edinburgh, Scotland. Their shop was located in the centre of Edinburgh at 2 North Bank Street, where Meek, a close friend of Alexander Steuart, took on innovative horological challenges. In fact, Meek manufactured his own Steuart Vacuum Tank Regulator in 1923—a clock so accurate it was claimed to deviate by less than a second per year. This level of precision made it one of the most advanced timepieces in the world, preceding Caesium clocks by decades.
This watch isn’t just a beautiful example of 1930s craftsmanship—it also tells the story of its journey through time. The case shows some scratches, and the dial has developed a patina, evidence of its past. Despite these marks, the crisp lines of the case remain intact, ensuring that this historical piece will continue to shine for generations to come.
————
Brand: Zenith
Model: “Top Winder”
Reference: -
Year: ±1935
Material: Staybrite Steel
Dimensions: 30mm diameter
Crystal: Plexiglas
Caliber: Zenith Cal. 12 N.V.S.I (snail regulator)
Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap
This stunning Zenith 1930’s watch is truly a gem on many levels. I discovered it at a watch fair, and it immediately captured my attention. The seller named a price, but honestly, I was too captivated by the watch to process what he said. My focus was on the striking case design, the quality, and the intriguing co-signature: J&D Meek, Edinburgh. Without hesitation, I said yes—and my journey to uncover its story began.
Why this watch is special? From the 1930s, this watch embodies the impeccable quality Zenith was known for during this era.
Crafted in Staybrite steel, the case features beautifully angular, defined lines. While technically round, it wears more like a tank-style watch, giving it a bold and unique presence. And let’s not forget—it’s a top winder!
Zenith movements of this period are a testament to quality engineering, but this one takes it up a notch. It features a stunning snail regulator, a detail that showcases the elegance of the 1930’s.
The dial is a masterpiece in itself, with elegant Breguet numerals paired with refined hands. Adding to its charm is the co-signature of J&D Meek, a prestigious watchmaker from Edinburgh, which gives this piece an extra layer of historical significance.
J&D Meek was founded by John Meek (1857–1934) in Edinburgh, Scotland. Their shop was located in the centre of Edinburgh at 2 North Bank Street, where Meek, a close friend of Alexander Steuart, took on innovative horological challenges. In fact, Meek manufactured his own Steuart Vacuum Tank Regulator in 1923—a clock so accurate it was claimed to deviate by less than a second per year. This level of precision made it one of the most advanced timepieces in the world, preceding Caesium clocks by decades.
This watch isn’t just a beautiful example of 1930s craftsmanship—it also tells the story of its journey through time. The case shows some scratches, and the dial has developed a patina, evidence of its past. Despite these marks, the crisp lines of the case remain intact, ensuring that this historical piece will continue to shine for generations to come.
————
Brand: Zenith
Model: “Top Winder”
Reference: -
Year: ±1935
Material: Staybrite Steel
Dimensions: 30mm diameter
Crystal: Plexiglas
Caliber: Zenith Cal. 12 N.V.S.I (snail regulator)
Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap