1960s Zenith Chronograph For LeGant 'Cal 146HP'

Back in the middle of the century, it was a pretty common thing for department stores to sell co-branded or white-label watches. Some of these include Sears' Tradition brand, LL Bean's white labeling of Hamilton watches, and LeGant, which was Montgomery Ward's in-house brand.

That is, of course, if you can call it "in-house." LeGant watches were actually made by Zenith under contract for the department store, so they featured good Swiss movements that were then cased and finished in France. Unfortunately, the brand was eventually sold to Seiko in the '90s.

But this beautiful LeGant is from those golden years and definitely looks the part with its chunky case and fantastic "reverse panda" dial. And how about that unique, seemingly handwritten LeGant signature? C'est chic.

SPECS

Stock #		LEGZEN146
Brand		Zentih for LeGant
Style		Chronograph
Model		N/A
Serial		N/A
Size		Men's
Material		Stainless Steel
Dial		Matte Black
Millimeters		38
Strap		2pc Handmade Leather Strap

CASE & BRACELET

The exceptional case appears to have been gently polished previously, featuring long angular lugs that exhibit honest signs of use. The case retains its original pump pushers and Z-star signed crown, belying its Zenith genetics. The original case back is adorned with the Zentih logo as well and remains in great condition, showing mild signs of use, with the serial number still fully present. The Montgomery Ward inventory number is also crudely engraved on the back of the bottom right lug. The watch comes supplied on a two-piece handmade leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The handsome glossy black "reverse panda" dial is in wonderful overall condition, showing no damage and only nominal elements of age. Likewise, the silver subdials are all in incredible condition and have achieved a glowing warmth that enhances the character of the watch. The tritium lume has developed a charming cream patina and shows no degradation under UV light inspection. The original tritium hands are in great vintage condition, with no degradation present, and have aged to match the dial well.