Founded in Le Locle in 1865, Zenith built its reputation on precision watchmaking, developing an impressive catalogue of mechanical movements and earning recognition for its technical achievements throughout the twentieth century.

Although perhaps best known today for its celebrated El Primero chronograph, Zenith's history extends well beyond complicated mechanical watches. The company also produced elegant everyday timepieces, embracing changing fashions and technologies while maintaining its distinctive Swiss watchmaking identity.

The Port Royal collection is a particularly interesting example of this versatility. Over the years, the name has appeared on watches ranging from bold, angular designs to more restrained dress models, reflecting the changing tastes of successive decades.

By the 1990s, quartz technology was firmly established within Swiss watchmaking, offering excellent accuracy and convenience. Zenith's quartz-powered Port Royal models combined this practicality with traditional finishing, attractive dial designs and the understated elegance associated with Swiss dress watches.

This particular example dates to 1997 and carries an additional piece of personal history. Its engraved caseback commemorates 36 years of service, making it a lovely reminder of the longstanding tradition of presenting a quality wristwatch to mark an important professional milestone.

What's on Offer

There's something rather lovely about a vintage presentation watch. Not only do you get an attractive timepiece, but occasionally you also get a little glimpse into the life it has lived.

And this Zenith Port Royal Quartz from 1997 certainly has a story to tell.

Presented in an elegant combination of gold-tone and stainless steel, this handsome Port Royal offers all the understated sophistication you would expect from Zenith, with the added appeal of its matching bracelet, beautifully preserved dial and original Zenith presentation box and papers.

The 36mm case has a pleasingly traditional profile, with gently curved lugs and a polished finish that gives the watch a smart, refined appearance. Its two-tone design is particularly attractive, with gold-coloured detailing providing a subtle contrast against the cooler tones of the stainless steel.

One of the most distinctive features is the polished bezel, which incorporates Roman numeral hour markers around its circumference. Fine gold-tone accents follow the curves of the bezel, giving the watch an elegant decorative finish without overwhelming the overall design.

The white dial is beautifully restrained, with slim applied gold-tone baton markers, matching hands and a discreet minute track around the outer edge. Zenith's period emblem sits proudly beneath 12 o'clock, while the elegant Port Royal script appears above 6 o'clock.

A neatly framed date window at 3 o'clock completes the dial, adding a practical everyday feature while maintaining its clean, balanced appearance.

The dial is graded mint and unworn, while the sapphire crystal and bezel are both in excellent condition. The case is graded very good, with the overall watch presenting in excellent condition.

Inside is the Zenith Calibre 22.6, based on the ETA 955.112, a seven-jewel Swiss quartz movement. Designed for accurate, dependable timekeeping, it provides the convenience of battery-powered operation without the need for daily winding.

The movement has been serviced, according to the accompanying condition report.

The watch is fitted to its matching two-tone metal bracelet, with polished stainless steel links and gold-tone detailing that echoes the case beautifully. The bracelet is graded excellent and accommodates a wrist of approximately 19cm.

Turn the watch over, however, and you'll discover what makes this particular example especially interesting.

The caseback carries a personalised inscription reading:

D ROBSON
36 YEARS
A & G W MURRAY
1997

It is a charming piece of personal history, commemorating an impressive 36 years of service. While we don't know the full story behind the presentation, the engraving gives this watch a tangible connection to its original recipient and the occasion it was intended to celebrate.

Completing the package are its Zenith presentation box and accompanying papers, a welcome addition that makes the watch particularly appealing as a complete vintage set.

With its elegant two-tone styling, mint dial, practical quartz movement and commemorative engraving, this is a delightful example of a late-1990s Zenith.

A smart, wearable vintage dress watch with a little extra history tucked away on the back.

Condition Report:

Crystal: Excellent

Dial: Mint / Unworn

Bezel: Excellent

Case: Very Good

Bracelet: Excellent

Movement: Serviced/Quartz

Overall: Excellent