1950s Zenith S58 first generation manual winding

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Zenith, founded in 1865 in Le Locle, Switzerland, has established itself as a pioneer in the watchmaking industry. Renowned for precision and innovation, Zenith’s history is punctuated by significant achievements, notably the creation of the first integrated automatic chronograph movement, the El Primero, in 1969.

The S58 was Zenith’s first dive watch, hitting the market in 1958. The “S” in its name means “super water resistant,” showing off its above-average water resistance of over 150 meters, pretty impressive for back in the day.

This model is extremely rare, being one of the first generation models, with manual winding movement, and bakelite bezel, most 1st generations featuring a steel smooth bezel. Interestingly, it comes on a ladder Gay Freres Zenith steel bracelet.