The Rolex Zephyr line is noticeable for its dial quartered by two perpendicular lines and a particular fluted bezel, dubbed astral, with engraved hour markers.
The first Zephyr model reference 6582 appeared on the market in the second half of the 1950s with a silver, black or gold dial and only in steel/gold (yellow or rose). The dial markers are made of luminous material, “leaf” or dauphine hands, the writing is generally printed in black, except for certain rare models with the maximum depth printed in red. The movement is 1030 calibre with a Butterfly wind motor with a Chronometer Certificate.
In 1959 the Rolex Zephyr reference was replaced by the new reference 1008 with 1560 calibre and a slightly smaller crown. This model was available in steel with gold bezel, 14kt and 18kt gold (ref. 1009) with a moiré bezel and coordinated bracelet.
At the start of the 1970s Rolex introduced the new Zephyr reference 1038 distinguished by a dial with printed rectangular hour markers and baton hands and a bezel engraved with rectangular markers.
The rare Zephyr ref. 1512 was also produced in this period, only in gold (14kt or 18kt) with date and 1575 calibre
I have been looking for a Zephyr for several years. It has taken so long as many of the watch dial is either reconditioned or in bad shape plus many of its bezels are also heavily worn. After years of searching, I have finally managed to find one nice 1008 Zephyr in black dial. I have to trade my IWC blue dial automatic with some cash top up for this beauty.
Over the weekend, I have decided to source for a metal vintage Oyster bracelet for the Rolex 1008 from Mr. Wong. I like the metal bracelet combination better as it made the watch looks slightly bigger and is more comfortable to wear and easy to remove.
What made this reference unique is that the watch dial has no metal markers indicators. Instead, the markers are in doted luminous. In addition, the bezel has its own unique design versus the 1601,1600, 1603.
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