Zeitwinkel Caliber ZW0103 Watch Movement

Manufacturer	Zeitwinkel Montres S.A., CH St-Imier
Caliber Number	ZW0103
Base Caliber	Zeitwinkel ZW0102
Movement Type	Automatic
Linges	13.5”’
Diameter	30.40mm
Height	8mm thick
Jewels	49
Components	387
Beats Per Hour	28,800 vph, 4Hz
Power Reserve	72 hours
Lift Angle	Unknown
Hairspring	Straumann
Balance	Glucydur
Shock Absorber	Incabloc
Hacking?	Yes
Quickset Date?	Yes
Functions	Hours, minutes, small seconds at 6:00, power reserve indicator between 2:00 and 3:00, big date at 11:00
Country of Manufacture	Switzerland
Known Models	273°, 273° Saphir fumé

The Zeitwinkel caliber ZW0103 is an in-house automatic watch movement produced in Saint Imier, Switzerland located about 30 minutes from the Jura Mountains.

Some of the topics covered in this caliber listing:

Large Date Complication:

The ZW0103 is based on the Zeitwinkel ZW0102 with a large double digit date module instead of the standard datewheel style calendar complication. The patented date display was developed by Zeitwinkel specifically for their 273° model.

Pictured below is a special mode in their 273 line called the 273° Saphir fumé. This watch features a fully transparent dial to show off the inner workings of the big date.

In Zeitwinkel’s own words:

“Based on our Zeitwinkel caliber ZW 0102, we have added a self-developed complication for displaying the remaining running time and the date. The noticeable feature is the display of the date in large numerals at the 11 o’ clock position for which we have received a patent. The running time of the mechanism is 72 hours.”

Movement Finishing:

The plates and bridges on the ZW0103 are made from German silver with a chamfered and hand-decorated finish. According to Zeitwinkel, German silver is harder than brass and requires more precision in the manufacturing and finishing process.

Testing and Regulating:

Each caliber ZW0103 undergoes a quality inspection process before being regulated in 5 positions. After the inspection and regulation, every movement is cased and tested continuously for seven days.

Editor’s Note on Caliber Numbers:

Zeitwinkel’s official website refers to the ZW0103 as well as ZW 0103 with a space. When they submitted the movement to Caliber Corner, it was listed as ZW0103, however, the movement itself appears to be engraved with ZW 0103. It is important that watch movement manufacturers maintain consistency with their caliber numbers. Hopefully Zeitwinkel will see this and consider making changes to the way they present the movement information on their site or eliminate the space on the movement.