🕰️ 1930s Zenith Chronometre — The Curved Elegance of Early Wristwatch Design
Before wristwatches took their modern rounded form, the early 1930s marked a fascinating in-between era — when the rugged practicality of WWI trench watches began to merge with the refined geometry of the Art Deco movement.
This Zenith Chronometre, housed in a curved rectangular “banane” case, captures that evolution perfectly.
In French, banane literally means banana, but in horology it describes the gracefully curved case shape designed to hug the wrist — one of the first ergonomic innovations in wristwatch design. The curve was both aesthetic and functional, allowing the long rectangular case to sit comfortably and naturally on the wrist, decades before curved crystals or tonneau cases became common.
The dial shows pure 1930s character — bold Arabic numerals, a railway minute track, and a sub-seconds register at 6 o’clock, matched with blued Breguet-style hands. Beneath the hinged back lies a hand-finished Zenith manual-wind movement, finely decorated and signed “Plaqué or laminé 20 microns” — indicating a 20-micron gold-plated case crafted with precision and care.
It’s a true artifact of transition — from battlefield precision to Art Deco sophistication — where every curve, font, and gear tells a story of craftsmanship meeting innovation.
Specifications
Brand: Zenith
Model: Chronometre Rectangular “Banane” Case
Year: Circa 1930s
Case: 20-micron gold-plated brass, hinged back
Dimensions: 26 × 38 mm (excluding crown)
Dial: Aged silver with Arabic numerals, sub-seconds at 6 o’clock
Hands: Blued Breguet-style
Crystal: Curved mineral glass
Movement: Manual-wind Zenith calibre, chronometer-grade finish
Strap: Black woven perlon, fixed wire lugs
Origin: Switzerland
Newly serviced and in good working condition. This watch runs slightly advanced, consistent with its age. Despite being from the 1930s, it remains fully functional. Comes with a 3-month service warranty for your peace of mind.
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