While we are on the subject (of Zodiac), and off the subject of Heuers, I thought that some readers might like to see a modern-day Zodiac watch. This one is from there V Sport line, and features a GMT function / rotating bezel - - -

I had the watch over the week-end [helping arrange a gift for a friend from his friend], and I was impressed by it. It's not a chrono, and it's not a mechanical movement, but I like the design [case-shape and bezel remind me of the Autavias] and the build quality seemed excellent, for the money.

I also had occasion to speak with some folks at the company (Zodiac / Fossil). I was trying to locate the watch, and not researching the history of the older Zodiacs, and they were very helpful.

Jeff

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

: A word about Zodiac the brand and their
: management

: As I mentioned in an earlier post this evening,
: Zodiac was purchased just over two years ago
: by Fossil, who is primarily known as a
: fashion chain, which also sells fashion
: watches... Shortly after they purchased the
: Zodiac brand, I had opportunity to call them
: to try to locate some additional links for
: one of my Zodiac Red Point Chronographs. I
: spoke with a very pleasant, but otherwise
: completely oblivious young lady who had nary
: a clue about Zodiac the firm or it's
: previous products...

: Thus I personally wouldn't count on any
: assistance from the current management of
: Zodiac USA on the topic of vintage (read as
: pre-Fossil) Zodiac's. The Swiss branch might
: be able to be of some assistance, but
: calling the US branch and seeking parts
: would probably get a similar response as
: calling Gateway 2000 (who bought the old
: Commodore Amiga Computer system) and asking
: for parts... You'll probably not get any
: satisfaction.

: The Fossil press release follows:

: FOSSIL TO ENTER SWISS WATCH BUSINESS

: Company contact: Mike Kovar - 972/699-2229

: Richardson, Texas October 1, 2001 &endash;
: Fossil, Inc. (NASDAQ: FOSL) announced today
: that it has entered into a letter of intent
: to acquire three separate companies located
: in Switzerland. These companies will provide
: the Company with design, sourcing and
: production capabilities necessary to
: manufacture and market Swiss-made watches.
: These transactions are subject to certain
: contingencies, but the Company anticipates
: completing these acquisitions by mid-October
: 2001.

: In an unrelated transaction, the Company also
: announced that it has acquired the worldwide
: rights to the ZODIAC brand name for use in
: connection with watches, clocks and other
: timekeeping devices

: Also included in the purchase are the rights to
: various other brands including ZODIAC
: ASTROGRAPHIC, ZODIAC CORSAIR, ZODIAC
: OLYMPOS, ARISTE CALAME and SEA WOLF.

: The combined purchase price of the three Swiss
: companies and the ZODIAC brands total
: approximately $7 million.

: "The Company is in the process of
: developing the infrastructure and systems
: necessary to design, manufacture and
: distribute better watches made in
: Switzerland. We intend to operate the Swiss
: watch business separately from our core
: FOSSIL business and view the acquisition of
: these companies and the 120-year-old ZODIAC
: brand as the first phase of this
: strategy," commented Enrico
: Margaritelli of Fossil. "We have
: demonstrated our ability to successfully
: design, develop and market better watches at
: higher price points with our licensed brands
: and are confident that we can apply these
: same talents to our Swiss-made brands,"
: concluded Mr. Margaritelli.

: Zodiac Customer Service USA: 2280 N.
: Greenville Avenue Richardson, TX
: 75082-4412 tel: +1 800 699 0569

: Gee, if I had $7m to scrape together a couple
: of years back... How fun would that have
: been! =)

: -- Chuck