Zenith chronograph EP brown military

A remarkable piece of mid-century military horology, this Zenith Ref. 143-6 was produced for the Yugoslavian Air Force and delivered on October 29, 1954, as confirmed by its Zenith Extract of Archives. Purpose-built for aviation use, it features a 37mm stainless steel case, robust pump pushers, and the legendary Excelsior Park Caliber 4—a manual-wind chronograph movement celebrated for its reliability and precision.

Its standout feature is the beautifully aged chocolate brown tropical dial, originally black, now transformed over time by exposure and patina. The dial is fitted with radium lume on the Arabic numerals and hands, offering that unmistakable vintage glow that defined mid-century tool watches. The layout, with its bi-compax registers and railroad minute track, ensures maximum legibility even in the most demanding cockpit conditions.

Rare and historically significant, this Zenith military chronograph, with the original box, is not just a watch—it’s a tangible piece of Cold War-era aviation history, blending utility, rarity, and aesthetic charm in one unforgettable package.