Despite the dial of this watch saying Zodiac, this is without doubt, through and through a Heuer 2547S. There are other watches out there dubbed ‘Poor Man’s Heuers’, but they have case and dial variations that warrants that nickname. This Zodiac though, is 100% the same as a Heuer 2547S, only that it was rebranded. The 36mm stainless steel case even has the same ‘2547’ reference number engraved between the lugs!
This Zodiac 2547 is a very complicated watch. It is a triple calendar chronograph, with apertures at 12 o’clock showing the day and month, with a forth central hand pointing to an outer calendar track on the dial displaying the date. Three subdials complete the look for the chronograph function and despite the amount of information needing to be displayed on a small dial, it remains very legible. I’ve always thought that the triple calendar chronograph classic layout to be one of the best-designed dials.
Powering this watch is a high-quality Valjoux 72C, with the ‘C’ standing for calendar. It is a column wheel movement and perhaps one of the most popular high-quality movements used in the era, powering watches such as the Heuer Autavia/Carrera and Rolex Daytona.
At the end of the day, past all the history and technicalities, this is just a beautiful vintage watch presenting excellent value. While its Heuer cousin commands a huge premium over this Zodiac, the attention that Heuer has been getting lately will ensure that the value of these is corrected soon, just look at the Orvis Solunagraph!
