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You are here: Home / Movements / Zenith 679

Zenith 679

Last Update: May 25, 2020

Brand:Zenith
Family:
Zenith Elite
Height:3.85 mm
Jewels:26
Reserve:55 hours
Frequency:28,800 A/h
Winding:Automatic, Bi-Directional Automatic Winding, Central Rotor Automatic Winding
Diameter:25.60 mm (11.5 ligne)
© Zenith Zenith Cal. 679 drawing Complications:Hacking Seconds
Hands:Central Hour Hand, Central Minute Hand, Central Seconds Hand
Distinguishing Technical Characteristics
Central-Rotor Automatic
Clockwise Balance Cock
Balance at 1:30
Barrel at 7:30
Central Rotor
Production: 2009 – Current
1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s

Cal. 679 is a compact automatic movement from Zenith. It is closely related to Cal. 670 and Cal. 680 and was used in the Elite series of watches. Unlike most other movements in this family, it features a central seconds hand. It is a simple movement and lacks the date complication of the similar Cal. 670. It is very similar to the ladies Cal. 67.

Technical Aspects of the Zenith Elite Movement

Zenith Elite Cal. 680

The basic Elite movement measures 11.5 ligne (25.60 mm) diameter and most models are under 4 mm thick, despite a central automatic winding rotor and date complication. A few models used a larger main plate to move the date window outward or to support complications like a running 24 hour ring. The thinnest Elite movement is the hand-winding Cal. 650 at 2.83 mm and the thickest and most complicated is the large Cal. 687 at 6.20 mm.

Unusually, many Elite movements (apart from the 660 and 670 lines) feature small seconds at 9:00, a distinctive feature that differentiates the watches that use it. Some, however, feature central seconds, an adjustable 24 hour hand, a power reserve indicator, and other complications.

All Elite movements use an annular Glucydur balance wheel with a self-compensating balance spring and fine micrometer screw for adjustment. The automatic winding rotor is mounted on ball bearings like the ETA 2892 and originally included a tungsten carbide element for higher winding power. Most Elite movements boast 50 to 55 hours power reserve and all operate at 28,800 A/h.

Zenith Elite 670: Central Seconds

Cal. 670 was one of the original Elite movements, and remains in production as of 2020. It has central seconds, unlike most Elite movements, and serves as a base for a few complicated versions. Cal. 670 SK, introduced in 2018, is especially notable, as it includes a silicon escapement and is often skeletonized.

MovementYearsWindingJewelsComplications
Elite 6701994-presentAutomatic27Date
Elite 670 SK2018-presentAutomatic27Date, Skeleton
Elite 6721996-2014Automatic27Date, 24 Hour Hand
Elite 6792009-presentAutomatic27None
Elite 672004-2008Automatic27None
Images are taken from official publications and are used here for commentary and educational purposes. Copyright is held by the original owner as noted.

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