Zenith Favre-Leuba & Co. - 1930s Motorcycle Racing Watch

Step back into the 1930s with this extraordinarily rare and innovative wristwatch, crafted by Zenith and retailed by Favre-Leuba & Co., a historic Swiss watch retailer. 

Specifically designed for motorcycle racing enthusiasts, it features a 90-degree tilted dial, allowing effortless time-reading while riding with fully extended arms. Adding to its allure, the dial is double-signed by both Zenith and Favre-Leuba, marking its exceptional provenance.

This watch stands as a testament to the ingenuity of 1930s watchmaking, where design met functionality to cater to a niche audience—motorcycle racers. The tilted dial design was a revolutionary concept, prioritizing practical utility for riders while maintaining the elegance of a wristwatch.

Its double-signed dial, featuring both Zenith and Favre-Leuba, further enhances its collectibility, showcasing the unique practice of branding watches by their retailer. With virtually no other examples available online, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a truly unique and museum-worthy piece.

• Brand: Zenith, retailed by Favre-Leuba & Co.
• Reference: 8132726
• Circa: 1930
• Case Material: "Staybrite" stainless steel, a durable and corrosion-resistant alloy
• Case Dimensions: 30mm diameter
• Design:
  • Top Winder: Crown located at 3 o’clock, embedded between the lugs for a sleek and functional design.
  • 90° Tilted Dial: Lugs positioned at 3 and 9 o’clock, enabling optimal visibility during motorcycle rides.
  • Case Construction: Tonneau-shaped 3-body design with cut sides, stylized straight horns, and clipped steel back.
• Dial:
  • White enamel with black painted "Breguet" railway and Arabic numerals.
  • Double-Signed: Dial proudly displays both "Favre-Leuba & Co." and "Zenith," highlighting its rarity and heritage.
  • Blued steel lance hands. (Note: slight surface crack visible on the dial, consistent with age.)
• Movement: Manual-winding movement signed Zenith Cal. 12.1, renowned for its reliability and precision.
• Strap: Antique brown Bentex leather strap with a steel pin buckle, perfectly complementing the vintage aesthetic.

• Case: Well-preserved "Staybrite" steel case with minor wear, commensurate with its age.
• Dial: Displays a surface cracks and a slight crater at 3 oclock, adding character to its vintage allure.
• Movement: Fully serviced and in stable working condition, ensuring reliability for daily use.
• Strap: Antique leather strap in excellent condition.

• Rare Design: The 90° tilted dial and top-winder crown make this watch a standout piece in any collection.
• Double-Signed Dial: A rare feature that emphasizes its unique history and provenance.
• Unmatched Rarity: Virtually no other examples of this reference are listed on the internet, making it a true collector’s gem.