Zénith
1971 Zenith Defy 'Gauss' Super-antimagnetic 'High Beat' - FULL SET - Ref. 50038-6
A fine and rare 28.800 Bph Zenith Automatic Super-antimagnetic 'Gauss'
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
The rare and unusual Defy Gauss was the answer from Zenith to the Rolex Milgauss 1019 and the IWC Ingenieur. Featuring a dust cap and built in a strong screw-back case with dials made of anti-magnetic material., the Defy Gauss was only produced in 550 pieces featuring a black dial, 600 pieces with a blue dial and 950 pieces with a silver dial, making this anti-magnetic Zenith wristwatch a rare watch indeed.
Produced between 1971-73 in very limited numbers, the Zenith Defy Gauss is now a truly collector's timepiece.
Like the standard tonneau defy, spaceman, and tv case in same production period, the Gauss featured a Zenith caliber 2562pc shock resistant protected high frequency 28.8k movement. The aggressive and futuristic 38mm unpolished steel tonneau case was water resistant to 300m (superior to the Rolex Milgauss of similar production period).
This particular Zenith houses a high grade caliber 2562 PC, manufactured only for a few years. The brushed steel case and the Zenith 'Lobster' steel bracelet are in very good condition with some slight signs of wear. The original black dial, the rarest (550 only were manufactured !) gives to this watch a very elegant and sporty look.
The 2562 PC has 23 jewels, a 46 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 2562 is a truly excellent performer, and well-capable of attaining chronometer status.
This watch comes with its original Zenith box and Zenith guarantee.
THE STORY
Today when one thinks of a vintage Zenith, the first thing that comes to mind is the El Primero chronographs. But other than its chronograph pieces, Zenith was also busy creating other sports models and tool watches, taking cues from 1960s and 1970s design. This example is another creation by the manufacturer that is simply a workhorse type piece perfect for everyday wear. The case measures 38mm across, and the tonneau-shape is 45mm from top to bottom, and this certainly create quite a presence on the wrist. The dial is uncomplicated with legibility in mind, but with the little quirkiness of the date being at four. Keeping in line with Zenith’s legacy as a movement maker, the watch is fitted with a self-winding caliber 2562PC, which is a high-beat movement with great performance that was used in the Respirator models from the same era.
THE DATA
- Maker: Zenith
- Model: Defy 'Gauss'
- Reference: 50038-6
- Case N°: 317E1XX
- Year: 1971
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 38x45x14mm
- Caliber: In house Automatic Zenith 2562 PC
- Bracelet/Strap: Original Zenith Steel 'Lobster'
- Lug width: 22mm
- Box/Papers: Original Zenith box & Original Zenith guarantee
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
The tonneau steel case and bracelet are in very good condition with some minor signs of wear, it has kept its original angles nicely. The original black dial and mineral crystal are perfect. The dial, case and crown are signed, all parts are original. It has a cool and virile presence on the wrist an can be worn daily and for more formal occasions.
This particular timepiece comes with it's original Zenith box and guarantee.
1974 Zenith Espada (El Primero) Mint condition - FULL SET - Ref. 01.0040.418
The world's first automatic chronograph with full calendar and moonphase with its original papers and box.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
There’s so much to say about this watch, so why not start by saying this: this particular model, the ‘El Primero’ Espada, was the world first automatic chronograph with full calendar and moonphase. Then, only 500 exemplaries of this reference (01.0040.418), known as the 'Second series', were manufactured between 1973 and 1974. The 'First series', the reference A7817, was manufactured in 1972 and only 300 pieces were manufactured. With its distinct and instantly recognizable design, among others the 'Lobster' steel bracelet, the Espada brought a new sense of style and substance to the world of chronographs, becoming a collectible icon.
When the El Primero automatic chronograph calibre was first announced in 1969, it took the world of watchmaking by storm. It was the first automatic chronograph movement and brought forth a set of distinctive features, which have allowed it to stand the test of time and remain an exceptional movement half a century on: a high frequency of 36’000 vph, a column-wheel chronograph mechanism, and an automatic winding system that delivers 50 hours of power reserve.
Furthermore, the El Primero made headlines back in 1970, when it took part in Zenith’s “Operation Sky”. This extreme test consisted of strapping the watch to an Air France Boeing 707’s landing gear on a flight from Paris to New York to test its resistance to external aggressions such as drastic temperature fluctuations, wind force and changing air pressure. Upon landing, the watch was still functioning perfectly. This daring feat was a testament to the confidence those who had tirelessly worked on the El Primero calibre held, as well as tangible proof that a mechanical movement was superior to the nascent quartz movements of the time, which couldn’t have stood the temperature differences endured by the watch during the flight.
This featured example is really a premium timepiece in an extremely well preserved original condition. It comes as a 'Full Set' (Original guarantee, box, manual and invoice), which is almost impossible to find and thus very collectible !
THE STORY
Though Zenith is most well known for its impressive in-house El Primero chronograph calibers, the brand’s positioning as a master of accuracy predated the mighty El by a fair margin. In 1948, the brand’s Calibre 135 became a new industry benchmark of sorts, achieving chronometer specification and winning a string of over 200 awards.
Most notably, the hand-wound 19-jewel caliber was awarded 5 consecutive Neuchâtel Observatory chronometry prizes from 1950 to 1954—a winning streak previously unheard of in such a contested competition. Evolving over three iterations, the caliber remained in Zenith’s production line consistently through until 1962.
The high-beat El Primero chronograph caliber is a bit of a legend in the industry, and the one that strongly contest the title of first automatic chronograph in existence. That part aside, the first El Primero faced a fascinating bit of torture testing in 1970, as Zenith strapped a watch fitted with this new caliber to the landing gear of a Boeing 707 for Air France flight AF015 before it crossed the Atlantic Ocean between Paris and New York.
Facing temperatures of -62 Celsius at an altitude of 10,000 feet, thewatch survived shockingly unscathed, and other than the time change that obviously couldn’t be accounted for, the chronograph maintained its accuracy within a second by the time it finished its journey.
Zenith lays claim to having opened the first watchmaking “manufacture”, all the way back in 1865. Georges Favre-Jacot decided that rather than sticking to the traditional method of watchmaking of the period—where movement makers would have their own atelier somewhere, dial makers, somewhere else, case makers somewhere else, and so on—he decided the most logical approach would be to house all of these specialized workers in a single facility.
Every watch brand loves to hang their hat on some sort of celebrity connection, however the fact that Mahatma Gandhi carried a Zenith pocket watch is all kinds of cool. Gandhi carried and used the pocket watch (fitted with an alarm complication) for years, and though it was stolen from him in the late ‘40s, it returned to him not much later when the thief was surprisingly overcome with guilt.
Before passing away, Gandhi gifted the pocket watch to his granddaughter, and in 2009 the watch was sold via a well known auction house for a paltry sum of 1.8M USD.
THE DATA
- Maker: Zenith
- Model: Espada
- Reference: 01.0040.418
- Case N°: 422XX
- Year: 1974
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 38x45x16mm
- Caliber: In House Zenith 3019 PHF
- Bracelet/Strap: Original Zenith steel 'Lobster'
- Lug width: 22mm
- Box/Papers: Original Zenith box, guarantee and owner's manual
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in top condition. The case and steel bracelet are extremely well preserved with its angles still sharp. The dial and the réhaut are in mint condition with the lume present. It is important to notice the immaculate condition of the original dial and réhaut because 99% of the Espada's subdials and especially the réhaut got seriously dammaged by the time and these original parts are, 48 years later, absolutely impossible to find.
All parts are original, among others the 'Plastic' guarantee specific to this model.
This is a very collectible and sought after complicated timepiece and this model was manufactured only in 1973 and 1974, with a total production of only 500 pieces !
It has a sporty and virile presence on the wrist, perfect for everyday wear.
1972 Zenith Automatic extremely rare 'High Beat' with original Box - Ref. SC 6741
A fine and extremely rare 28.800 Bph Zenith Automatic
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
This particular Zenith houses a high grade caliber 2562 PC, manufactured only for a 3 years period (1972 to 1975). The unpolished case is in excellent condition with the original satin finish on the bezel. The black original dial with mirror indexes is extremely rare and gives to this watch a very elegant and sporty look.
The 2562 PC has 23 jewels, a 46 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 2562 is a truly excellent performer, and well-capable of attaining chronometer status.
This watch comes with its original Zenith box.
THE STORY
Today when one thinks of a vintage Zenith, the first thing that comes to mind is the El Primero chronographs. But other than its chronograph pieces, Zenith was also busy creating other sports models, taking cues from 1960s and 1970s design. This example is another creation by the manufacturer that is simply a workhorse type piece perfect for everyday wear. The case measures 35mm across, but the vertically elongated cushion-shape is 41mm from top to bottom; the lugs and this shape certainly create quite a presence on the wrist. The dial is uncomplicated with legibility in mind, but with the little quirkiness of the date being at four. Keeping in line with Zenith’s legacy as a movement maker, the watch is fitted with a self-winding caliber 2562PC, which is a high-beat movement with great performance that was used in the Respirator models from the same era.
THE DATA
- Maker: Zenith
- Model: Automatic Sport Cushion
- Reference: SC 6741
- Case N°: 808D5xx
- Year: 1972
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 35x41x11,5mm
- Caliber: In house Automatic Zenith 2562 PC
- Bracelet/Strap: Black leather
- Lug width: 18mm
- Box/Papers: Original Zenith box
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
The cushion case is in sharp condition, and has kept its original angles nicely. The original black dial is perfect. The watch comes with a new black leather strap. The dial, case and crown are 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.
1974 Zenith Sporto 'High Beat' - Ref. 01-1300-274
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A fine 28.800 Bph Zenith Sporto
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
This particular Zenith houses a high grade caliber 2562 C, manufactured only for a 5 years period (1970 to 1975). The unpolished case is in good condition with the original satin finish on the bezel. The immaculate silver original dial with applied indexes has beautiful 'Sunburst' reflects.
The 2562 C has 17 jewels, a 50 hour power reserve , and beats at 28,800/bph ! It features a screwless Glucydur balance and fine regulator adjustment by eccentric screw. The 2562 is a truly excellent performer, and well-capable of attaining chronometer status.
THE STORY
Today when one thinks of a vintage Zenith, the first thing that comes to mind is the El Primero chronographs. But other than its chronograph pieces, Zenith was also busy creating other sports models, taking cues from 1960s and 1970s design. This example is another creation by the manufacturer that is simply a workhorse type piece perfect for everyday wear. The case measures 35mm across, but the vertically elongated cushion-shape is 37mm from top to bottom; this shape certainly create quite a presence on the wrist. The dial is uncomplicated with legibility in mind, but with the little quirkiness of the date being at four. Keeping in line with Zenith’s legacy as a movement maker, the watch is fitted with a caliber 2562C, which is a high-beat movement with great performance.
THE DATA
- Maker: Zenith
- Model: Sporto Cushion
- Reference: 01-1300-274
- Year: 1974
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 35x37x10mm
- Caliber: In house Zenith 2562 C
- Bracelet/Strap: Black leather
- Lug width: 18mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
The cushion case is in good condition, and has kept its original angles nicely. The original silver dial is perfect. The watch comes with a new black leather strap. The dial, case and crown are 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.
1969 Zenith El Primero A384 'Panda' - FULL SET - Ref. A384
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The most iconic chronograph with its original papers and box.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
There’s so much to say about this watch, so why not start by saying this: this particular model, the ‘El Primero’ A384, was the world first automatic chronograph. With its distinct and instantly recognizable design, the A384 brought a new sense of style and substance to the world of chronographs, becoming a collectible icon.
This model is so legendary that Zenith decided 50 years later, in 2019, to recreate this model but with some noticeable differences, especially: Crystal instead of an acrylic glass, transparent display back replacing the solid steel case back, El Primero 400 chronograph movement instead the cal. 3019 PHC and dial without the 'T' inscription.
When the El Primero automatic chronograph calibre was first announced in 1969, it took the world of watchmaking by storm. It was the first automatic chronograph movement and brought forth a set of distinctive features, which have allowed it to stand the test of time and remain an exceptional movement half a century on: a high frequency of 36’000 vph, a column-wheel chronograph mechanism, and an automatic winding system that delivers 50 hours of power reserve.
Coinciding with the announcement of the movement in 1969, the first watch to house it was also announced: the Zenith El Primero A384. As groundbreaking as its movement was, the A384 also stood out with its original design.
Furthermore, the A384 made headlines back in 1970, when it took part in Zenith’s “Operation Sky”. This extreme test consisted of strapping the watch to an Air France Boeing 707’s landing gear on a flight from Paris to New York to test its resistance to external aggressions such as drastic temperature fluctuations, wind force and changing air pressure. Upon landing, the watch was still functioning perfectly. This daring feat was a testament to the confidence those who had tirelessly worked on the El Primero calibre held, as well as tangible proof that a mechanical movement was superior to the nascent quartz movements of the time, which couldn’t have stood the temperature differences endured by the watch during the flight.
This featured example is really a premium chronometer in an extremely well preserved original condition. It comes as a 'Full Set' (Original guarantee & box), which is extremely rare and collectible !
THE STORY
Though Zenith is most well known for its impressive in-house El Primero chronograph calibers, the brand’s positioning as a master of accuracy predated the mighty El by a fair margin. In 1948, the brand’s Calibre 135 became a new industry benchmark of sorts, achieving chronometer specification and winning a string of over 200 awards.
Most notably, the hand-wound 19-jewel caliber was awarded 5 consecutive Neuchâtel Observatory chronometry prizes from 1950 to 1954—a winning streak previously unheard of in such a contested competition. Evolving over three iterations, the caliber remained in Zenith’s production line consistently through until 1962.
The high-beat El Primero chronograph caliber is a bit of a legend in the industry, and the one that strongly contest the title of first automatic chronograph in existence. That part aside, the first El Primero faced a fascinating bit of torture testing in 1970, as Zenith strapped a watch fitted with this new caliber to the landing gear of a Boeing 707 for Air France flight AF015 before it crossed the Atlantic Ocean between Paris and New York.
Facing temperatures of -62 Celsius at an altitude of 10,000 feet, thewatch survived shockingly unscathed, and other than the time change that obviously couldn’t be accounted for, the chronograph maintained its accuracy within a second by the time it finished its journey.
Zenith lays claim to having opened the first watchmaking “manufacture”, all the way back in 1865. Georges Favre-Jacot decided that rather than sticking to the traditional method of watchmaking of the period—where movement makers would have their own atelier somewhere, dial makers, somewhere else, case makers somewhere else, and so on—he decided the most logical approach would be to house all of these specialized workers in a single facility.
Every watch brand loves to hang their hat on some sort of celebrity connection, however the fact that Mahatma Gandhi carried a Zenith pocket watch is all kinds of cool. Gandhi carried and used the pocket watch (fitted with an alarm complication) for years, and though it was stolen from him in the late ‘40s, it returned to him not much later when the thief was surprisingly overcome with guilt.
Before passing away, Gandhi gifted the pocket watch to his granddaughter, and in 2009 the watch was sold via a well known auction house for a paltry sum of 1.8M USD.
THE DATA
- Maker: Zenith
- Model: El Primero A384
- Reference: A384
- Case N°: 708D1xx
- Year: 1969
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 37x48x13mm
- Caliber: In House Zenith 3019 PHC
- Bracelet/Strap: Black leather with original Zenith buckle
- Lug width: 18mm
- Box/Papers: Original Zenith box and guarantee dated 1970
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in top condition. The unpolished case is extremely well preserved with its angles still sharp and original brushing. The dial is in mint condition with the lume present.
All parts are original, among others the particular 'Nato emblem' crown and the red cylindrical case, both specific to this model.
This is a very collectible and sought after chronometer and according to the Zenith specialist Manfred Rössler, this model was manufactured only in 1969 and 1970, housing 3 different dial colors, with a total production of only 2600 pieces !
This scarce chronograph comes with its original guarantee.
It has a sporty and virile presence on the wrist, perfect for everyday wear.
1966 Zenith Respirator 28800 Automatic aka 'Kennedy'
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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.
1942 Zenith Swedish Military 'Stötsäker'
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A fine and rare Swedish Military Zenith
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
This particular Zenith features a double 'Antimagnetic & Dust-Proof' back cover and a 24hrs dial. This model was made for the Swedish army during WWII, the marking 'Stötsäker'' means shock-proof.
THE STORY
Today when one thinks of a vintage Zenith, the first thing that comes to mind is the El Primero chronographs. But other than its chronograph pieces, Zenith was also busy creating other sports and military models. The dial is uncomplicated with legibility in mind for military use.
THE DATA
- Maker: Zenith
- Model: Swedish Military 'Stötsäker'
- Reference: N/A
- Case N°: 84872xx
- Year: 1942
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 32x40x9mm
- Caliber: In house Zenith
- Bracelet/Strap: Black leather
- Lug width: 18mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
The case is in sharp condition, and has kept its original angles nicely. The original dial is great looking, the double back cover is present. The watch comes with a new black leather strap. It has a cool and elegant presence on the wrist an can be worn daily.
