ZODIAC Triple Calendar Chronograph ref.884332 cal. Valjoux 72c / 36mm

Zodiac is a long-established brand whose origin is the watch workshop founded in 1882 by Ariste Calame in Le Locle, Switzerland.

It produced a great many inventive models from the 1960s into the 1970s — a distinguished brand written into watch history.

This watch has a triple calendar and a chronograph in a 36mm case, and for an antique its capability is clear.

Zodiac suspended production of mechanical watches for a time but returned in 2014, and is a maker worth watching.

The movement is marked as Zodiac Cal.83, though it is in fact a Valjoux 72C/723.

In addition to the 12-hour chronograph mechanism found in the base Valjoux 72, it shows day, month and date on the dial, which is why it is known as a triple-date chronograph.

This calibre was produced from 1946 to 1974 and was used by watch makers large and small at the time.

Its complex, finely made construction lets you feel the high skill of the craftsmen of the day — a special watch full of the kind of romance that quickens the pulse.