Zenith Surf TV-Case

Zenith Surf TV-Case 01-0040-380

Zenith called the series "Surf." In the 1970s, this didn't refer to the Beach Boys, but rather to a robust steel block designed to withstand water contact better than most dress watches of the time. This reference 01-0040-380 takes the TV look to the extreme: an angular, almost cube-shaped case is built around a smoky gray dégradé dial. The applied index blocks echo the striped motif of the Zenith logo of the time – psychedelic yet clearly legible.

Inside ticks the in-house caliber 2572 PC with 17 jewels, 21,600 vph, a bidirectional rotor, and shock protection. A solid movement from the pre-El Primero era, it's assisted by a gentle manual winding mechanism at the crown. The date is prominently positioned at "4:30" and changes crisply at midnight. The acrylic crystal and steel edges bear battle scars—all due to honest aging. Anyone looking for a square-shaped watch with vintage charm and an in-house movement will find it here.

Brand: Zenith

Model: Surf Automatic TV case

Reference: 01-0040-380

Caliber: Zenith 2572 PC, automatic, 17 jewels, 21,600 A/h

Case: Stainless steel “Surf” monoblock

Dimensions: 35 mm width × 36 mm height (without crown)

Height: approx. 11 mm

Crown: fluted, Zenith logo

Glass: Acrylic

Dial: grey-blue gradient dial, applied striped indexes, date at 4:30

Strap: black leather (worn), original signed steel buckle

Year of construction: approx. 1972 – 1975

Condition: clear signs of wear on glass and case, dial clean, movement runs stable

Special features: angular TV design, surf-waterproof case, manufacture automatic 2572 PC, rare date position