1966 Zenith Respirator 28800 Automatic aka 'Kennedy'
A very early and iconic 'Kennedy' Respirator 28.800 Bph
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
This particular Respirator is one of the very first that was manufactured: The inner back is still engraved with the patent application 14031/63 (Demande de Brevet 14031/63) and the movement engraved with both Movado and Zenith (These two brands were owned by yhe same company).
The Respirator is one of the rare square watches that is water resistant, relying on the very same construction found in the Heuer Monaco and the one offered for sale is powered by a high-beat (28,800/bph) cal. 2542 PC movement, which, along with the 2572, was the last of the long-standing series of Zenith automatic full-rotor movements which emanated from the original cal. 2522 (circa 1954). The 2562 is a truly excellent performer, and well-capable of attaining chronometer status.
The 2542 PC has 23 jewels, a 48 hour power reserve, and beats at 28,800/bph. It features a screwless Glucydur balance and fine regulator adjustment by eccentric screw. It winds on ball bearings via a click-wheel switcher on the crown wheel.
THE STORY
The Respirator was one of Zenith's signature lines in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Its square shape was definitely distinctive, and so was its case design; it consisted of a two-piece case, in which the upper piece sat on a seal and became tighter against the base piece as the pressure increased. This was a similar system to that used for the Heuer Monaco, as both cases were manufactured by Ervin Piquerez SA. The watch came with an automatic caliber and a vast array of dial configurations, but the silver sunburst is one of our favorites. The Respirator is an unusual watch with a seducing and quirky mechanism, and it happens to look great on the wrist.
THE DATA
- Maker: Zenith
- Model: Respirator 28800 Automatic
- Reference: 14031/63 6-65
- Case N°: 393A1XX
- Year: 1966
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 30x40x11,5mm
- Caliber: In house Automatic Movado/Zenith
- Bracelet/Strap: Black leather
- Lug width: 20mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
The square case is in sharp condition, and has kept its original angles nicely. The original silver dial is perfect. The watch comes with a new black leather strap. The crystal is 'bombé' just as it should be, the crown signed, all parts are original. It has a cool and elegant presence on the wrist an can be worn daily and for more formal occasions.
