Serviced 1968 Vintage ZODIAC LE 'Camaro' Ref 9220 Chronograph VALJOUX 7730 Watch

This is a beautiful Zodiac 13-40 AKA Camaro, reference 9220 the more rare 45min version than reference 7743 in fantastic vintage condition from the late '60s.  The distinguishing feature of the 9220 is the minute counter on the right-hand side of the dial, which runs to 45 minutes and not 30, making it unique to this model of Camaro. For does who dont remember Swiss watch making history, Heuer actually made watches for other companies including Cleabar, Zodiac, Hamilton, and others. Zodiac was one of a few companies at the time that offered similar but more economical options compared to the highly recognizable Heuer classic. The market who was in need of a highly legible, simple, and reliable chronograph demanded this watch so many companies followed suit in offering a version with their name right on the dial. Which is why Zodiac and Heuer shared same DNA on lots of their watches, and this is a fine example. This watch come with beautiful Champaign Sunburst dial, looks to have the writing retouched or redone at some point.  Defiantly a collector watch. It has a beautiful Please look at all the pictures, as they are part of the description. The watch is working and Serviced by previous owner and keeps great time. 

We tend to see more Zodiacs from this period that closely resemble the Heuer Carrera but the example we have here today is built on the Camaro platform. This slightly slept on 1960s/70s chronograph shape has been garnering cult classic like status over the past few years. I love this cushion shaped case with skinny lugs jutting out near each corner. This is a highly collectible watch. Like this Zodiac example,  The Heuer Camaro 7734 was first offered for sale in 1968, and it disappeared from catalogues in 1972. Which gives it a relatively short production run, and resulting in being quite a rare watch. In the same respect Zodiac version are always produced less than their Heuer counter parts.  Which way they are selling north of $6000. Very few left with this rare movement. Sure, to increase in value overtime, and a great addition to your collection. The condition of the watch is the same as it appears in the photos.   Limited Edition This looks to be limited Edition with 1206/2250 marking on the case back. The watch is working and is part of our new Certified Pre-Owned CPO Program.  Contact me if you have any questions first. 

History: 

Built for all manner of adventure, Zodiac watches date back to 1882 when Ariste Calame founded his own watch company in Le Locle, Switzerland. A perfectionist, Calame knew that to make a great watch he had to control all facets of manufacturing--from design to the tools used to make the timepieces. The company earned an international reputation for quality and innovation over the years with several key accomplishments, including launching the first Swiss-made automatic sports watch in 1930 and the invention of a patented new system of shock resistant cases in 1974.

Over the years, Zodiac came to focus on rugged yet stylish sports watches, many with military-inspired attributes. After being purchased by Fossil in 2001, Zodiac returned to many of the vintage designs of the 1950s and 1960s when its diving watches were highly prized and its Sea Wolf model was the official watch of the Navy Seals.

From the strikingly colorful palette that infuses Zodiac's caoutchouc rubber strap assortment with a daring fashion flare to the rugged oversized cases that define the Super Sea Dragon line, today's Zodiac timepieces incorporate impeccable Swiss craftsmanship and an unerring attention to detail--just as they have every year since 1882.

Our most famous race-inspired watch, developed with all the craftsmanship, precision, technical design and high-performance elements used in real motor sports. The stainless-steel and titanium case features a carbon fiber dial with super-luminova accents. We left the lugs exposed and created pushers perforated to look like actual pedals for a truly race-inspired experience. The genuine rubber strap ensures a durable (and comfortable) fit. The case back of the Racer boasts a design based on a race car's air holes.

Having a love for complications and complicated watches, makes me love Chronograph watches. At first two register chronograph for simplicity of the dial and providing chronograph functionality for the most. Then the three-register chronograph for the complication of movement and the history of the movements, like of the iconic Omega Ref. 321, Ref. 861 (used in famous moon landing), Zenith El Primero, Venus mostly used in Breitlings, Landeron, and one of the most well-known movement makers Valjoux. With their famous Valjoux 72 put in the vintage Rolex Pre Daytona’s and of course the big dog Patek Philippe reference 2499 using Valjoux 88 my favorite which sold in auction for $3.30 Million in 2018.  I also love the Heuer Caliber 11 first micro automatic chronograph movement with date.

A Chronograph is simply a watch that combines the function of a stopwatch with a timekeeping display watch, by utilizing an independent sweep second hand. Chronographs often have complications on the face of the watch which can be used to record different time measurements, moon cycles, heart rate and more. Chronographs have usually have a separate buttons to stop, start, and reset (unless it is an monopusher) the stopwatch complication, with the start button typically at the two and four o’clock position.

The name Chronograph is derived from the Greek words ‘Chronos’ – the personification of time – and ‘graph’, meaning to write. The first modern Chronograph was created in 1816 by French watchmaker, Louis Moinet. Invented solely for use in union with astrological equipment, Moinet’s Chronograph could measure time accurate to 1/60th of a second – an unrivaled degree of precision at the time of its creation.

These "poor man's" Heuers represent an interesting facet of Heuer's history and also provide a sensible way for individuals to collect these chronographs on a more reasonable budget. The term "Poor Man's Heuer" only to refer to chronographs manufactured by Heuer for other brands one of which is Zodiac & Clebar, which is one of my favorite brands. Please note on ebay there are few brands that are not made by Heuer and still refer to as Poor man which is not true.