These days with vintage watches, it has to be said that collectors are looking for condition above all else and with this Zodiac Panda Chronograph, it ticks all the right boxes. Coming in a barely used condition, this example is an absolute time capsule and not something you see every day. I had Hamiltons like these before and now I’m very pleased to have these Zodiacs in a similar state.

Zodiac, along with other brands such as Clebar and Hamilton, made a lot of similarly styled chronographs in the ’60s and ’70s with one of the most famous being their panda and reverse panda chronographs. Dubbed as ‘poor man Heuers’ due to their striking resemblance to the Carrera, collectors have been eyeing these pieces for this reason. Don’t be fooled by the nickname though, these Zodiacs are high-quality pieces with excellent dials. Sized in a 36mm stainless steel case, it is very wearable even by modern standards and the beautiful panda dial really pops from the contrast. Powered by a Valjoux 7736, it is an excellent workhorse movement that will last a lifetime.

Not only does this example come in a pristine state, but also with its original box, hangtag and price tag.