Tony C.
January 25th, 2009, 01:23
As most vintage watch collectors know, the hunt for a particular model can be both quite fun, and especially gratifying if a lot of time passes before an acceptable (and available) version is located. I bring this up because I’ve been lucky enough to have experienced two such recent successes, one of which is a Zenith Respirator circa 1970.
The Respirator model line, which was produced from 1968–1972, is distinctive in a number of respects. The simple, pleasing and eye-catching design is what first attracted me to the line many years ago. There were several variations made, but the one which always stood out to my eye was this ‘Kennedy’ version, which is housed in a 30mm square case, while other versions were either elongated, or compressed (more squat), and sometimes had rounded edges.
Zenith also made very similar looking square watches during that period, but the Respirator was special. Taken, apparently, from the French word “respirateur”, which means “to breathe”, the Respirator name was used to denote a very unusual case design. Essentially, it is a two-piece case, and the upper part that holds the crystal sits on a square, flexible seal. This, in turn, allows the case to compress more tightly (or breathe in) as the watch comes under increasing pressure at greater depths. It was a very interesting design concept which apparently worked well when under higher pressure, but, ironically, was not so reliable when the case was under less pressure.
Although Zenith may have failed to revolutionize waterproof case design with the introduction of the Respirator, I believe that they succeeded impressively in every other important respect. To my eye, the Kennedy is an exceptionally good-looking watch. The dial is beautifully balanced, and features applied markers with contrasting, partial black overlays. The hands are distinctive and fuctional, and the classic Zenith date window placement between the 4:00 and 5:00 markers does much less to disrupt dial symmetry than those which are traditionally placed. Tritium was applied both to the hands, and as dots at the head of the hour markers.
The case features simple, clean, and attractive lines. It is perhaps just a touch thicker than one would want, ideally, but that was unavoidable due to the innovative efforts towards waterproofing.
This Respirator is powered by a high-beat cal. 2562 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 was a not a highly finished movement, but was a truly excellent performer, and well-capable of attaining chronometer status. In fact, they were also found in the high-end Captain DeLuxe chronometers of the day.
The 2562 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. (I used Heinz Hampel’s excellent book Automatic Wristwatches From Switzerland as a primary resource for the detailed movement information.)
After having kept an eye out for a really good example of this model for quite a few years, I received this one six days ago. I have kept it running during that time, and it has remained accurate to within eight seconds/day. It is the only non-round watch that I have owned, and I am absolutely delighted with it.
Regards,
Tony C.
http://mtanga.com/Resp8.jpg
http://mtanga.com/Resp9.jpg
(cross-posted on the Zenith forum)
The Respirator model line, which was produced from 1968–1972, is distinctive in a number of respects. The simple, pleasing and eye-catching design is what first attracted me to the line many years ago. There were several variations made, but the one which always stood out to my eye was this ‘Kennedy’ version, which is housed in a 30mm square case, while other versions were either elongated, or compressed (more squat), and sometimes had rounded edges.
Zenith also made very similar looking square watches during that period, but the Respirator was special. Taken, apparently, from the French word “respirateur”, which means “to breathe”, the Respirator name was used to denote a very unusual case design. Essentially, it is a two-piece case, and the upper part that holds the crystal sits on a square, flexible seal. This, in turn, allows the case to compress more tightly (or breathe in) as the watch comes under increasing pressure at greater depths. It was a very interesting design concept which apparently worked well when under higher pressure, but, ironically, was not so reliable when the case was under less pressure.
Although Zenith may have failed to revolutionize waterproof case design with the introduction of the Respirator, I believe that they succeeded impressively in every other important respect. To my eye, the Kennedy is an exceptionally good-looking watch. The dial is beautifully balanced, and features applied markers with contrasting, partial black overlays. The hands are distinctive and fuctional, and the classic Zenith date window placement between the 4:00 and 5:00 markers does much less to disrupt dial symmetry than those which are traditionally placed. Tritium was applied both to the hands, and as dots at the head of the hour markers.
The case features simple, clean, and attractive lines. It is perhaps just a touch thicker than one would want, ideally, but that was unavoidable due to the innovative efforts towards waterproofing.
This Respirator is powered by a high-beat cal. 2562 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 was a not a highly finished movement, but was a truly excellent performer, and well-capable of attaining chronometer status. In fact, they were also found in the high-end Captain DeLuxe chronometers of the day.
The 2562 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. (I used Heinz Hampel’s excellent book Automatic Wristwatches From Switzerland as a primary resource for the detailed movement information.)
After having kept an eye out for a really good example of this model for quite a few years, I received this one six days ago. I have kept it running during that time, and it has remained accurate to within eight seconds/day. It is the only non-round watch that I have owned, and I am absolutely delighted with it.
Regards,
Tony C.
http://mtanga.com/Resp8.jpg
http://mtanga.com/Resp9.jpg
(cross-posted on the Zenith forum)