7050 type Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys containing Zr 0 to 0.16% were heat treated in different ways. The hard- ness and electrical resistivity measurements and transmission electron microscopy were employed. The nose temperature of time-temperature-precipitation curves determined by resistivity measurements is about 350°C independently of Zr contents. However, the precipitation in Zr containing alloys is markedly enhanced. The quench-sensitivity of Zr containing alloys is proved to be governed by heterogeneous precipitation of η (or T) phase on Zr-rich compounds. These compounds are different from those having Ll2 structure and coherent with the matrix. The number of compounds acting as precipitation sites increases with the cold rolling reduction. The quench-sensitivity, therefore, depends on the cold rolling reduction.