Rumour had it originally that the S.58 name for this great Zenith diver came from the Sikorsky S-58 helicopter originally designed by American aircraft manufacturer Sikorsky as an anti-submarine warfare. However in our view and many others, this was proved wrong and a letter from Zenith archives was published online some years ago, saying….
“Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your interest in ZENITH watches.
The collection ” S 58 ” means S = Super water-resistant up to 150
meters and 58 for the year of launching the model.
So nothing to do with helicopter Sikorsky S 58.
With my best regards.
Marc Roethlisberger
ZENITH INTERNATIONAL SA
Customer Service”
This is obviously more likely and/or…. the S is believed to be a reference to the French word “scaphandre,” roughly translating to diving suit, with the 58 representing 1958 and the watch’s introduction to Zenith’s catalogue. Leading into the 60’s and moving through the 60’s there was a huge demand for purpose built tool and dive watches and Zenith with their S.58 were early onto the scene along with Rolex & Blancpain to jump on this demand. Blancpain released the first true diver, the Fifty Fathoms, in 1953 and Rolex’s Submariner followed in ‘54. That was about the extent of the market. Omega’s Seamaster 300 came in ‘57 but the S.58 was likely sketched in some form prior.
Additional information
Made from
Case: Stainless steel.
Dial: Black.
Crystal: Plexiglass.
Bracelet: Leather Vintage look NATO
Technical specifications
Winding: Manual
Movement type: Manual Mechanical with Hack feature
Calibre: Zenith 120
Jewels: 18j.
Waterproof: 150m when new!
Power reserve: 47 hours.
Purchase details
Condition: Excellent overall condition, in full working order.
Model Reference Number: S.58
Date of issue: c.1958
Guarantee: 12 months VWS guarantee
Dimensions
Width: 36.6mm
Lug width: 19mm
Lug height (lug to lug): 45.5mm
Wrist size: Adjustable