Tell Me I Didn't Screw Up: Respirator 2552

[Lex4TDI4Life]

So, I like buying watches without asking for advice first to learn the hard way....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Zenith-Respirator-2552-Cal-stanless-Steel-Kennedy-Dial-Very-Nice-Rare-/400361763736?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&nma=true&si=SCTSLdY04yJPeMpBuIQXjHQ5Nwc=&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

It meets a few of my recent wishes:

• Black dial
• Date at non-3 position
• Tank/square case

In the spirit of shooting first and asking questions later, how bad did I do?

 

[ulackfocus]

Ready, fire, AIM!!!

Looks like a nice watch to me. For all I know about Zenith it could be a horrid franken but I hope it isn't.

 

[MMMD]

I think you did just fine. I believe the "1-70" on the inner case back indicates a manufacture date of Jan. 1970 (sorry, this didn't belong to JFK, but he is reported to have had something like it). Everything looks correct to me and it seems to be in good shape.

 

[Lex4TDI4Life]

Another bullet dodged. Thanks!

I was assuming it wasn't an actual Kennedy watch, but I have seen Speedies advertised as belonging to astronauts, so who knows?

 

[MMMD]

Lex4TDI4Life

... I have seen Speedies advertised as belonging to astronauts, so who knows?

Yeah... so in light of the recent legislation passed in the US, allowing astronauts to keep souvenirs from their missions (except lunar material)... is Aldrin's Speedy going to show up in an old shoebox in the basement? 'Cause I'm just going to go ahead and call dibs on it now...

 

[Lex4TDI4Life]

MMMD

Yeah... so in light of the recent legislation passed in the US, allowing astronauts to keep souvenirs from their missions (except lunar material)... is Aldrin's Speedy going to show up in an old shoebox in the basement?

I am sure someone will try to claim it, but the legislation probably isn't retroactive. Of course, try explaining that to an eBay scammer...

 

[MMMD]

I was thinking maybe it might show up in Buzz's basement... I mean what with all the excitement after a ticker-tape parade, things can get misplaced...

 

[ulackfocus]

Actually, it disappeared in transit to the Smithsonian from what I recall of the story.

 

[MMMD]

Yes, that's the story I heard too. And I mean no blasphemy. Aldrin is no doubt too upright to stash his Speedy against orders.

 

[cicindela]

I'm not sayin' what's in my basement or not in my basement.

 

[ulackfocus]

cicindela

I'm not sayin' what's in my basement or not in my basement.

I know where he lives guys.

 

[Stewart H]

Looks just fine to me.

There's a picture of mine in this thread:
http://omegaforums.net/threads/some-more-vintage-zeniths.2850/
Mine is slightly earlier with a 2542 PC movement and no "Respirator" script.

 

[Lex4TDI4Life]

Stewart H

Looks just fine to me.

There's a picture of mine in this thread:
http://omegaforums.net/threads/some-more-vintage-zeniths.2850/
Mine is slightly earlier with a 2542 PC movement and no "Respirator" script.

Yeah, he sold one of those a couple weeks back. He has another listed now with an interesting dial. I have a feeling this guy has a bunch and doesn't want to dilute the market by listing them all at once.

 

[Stewart H]

I know who you mean. That "interesting dial" is certainly an acquired taste.

 

[Lex4TDI4Life]

I kinda like it, actually, but I prefer the more elegant and understated black and silver or mine. Here's the one currently listed:

Is the 2552 cal. a 28.8K beat as well?

 

[MMMD]

Lex4TDI4Life

I kinda like it, actually, but I prefer the more elegant and understated black and silver or mine. Here's the one currently listed:

Is the 2552 cal. a 28.8K beat as well?

No, 21.6K.

 

[LouS]

Lex4TDI4Life

Yeah, he sold one of those a couple weeks back. He has another listed now with an interesting dial. I have a feeling this guy has a bunch and doesn't want to dilute the market by listing them all at once.

He does have a bunch. I'm just not sure whether they are a bunch of watches or a bunch of parts which he assembles into watches. Given the usual lack of documentation for Zenith of that era, I can never be sure whether his watches are legit or franken. For example I think this one is a franken"

Lex4TDI4Life

My sense is that Zenith didn't do this particular reference in stainless steel cases with gold-toned dial furniture. But I think the one you got at the start of the thread is attractive and potentially legit - in fact I have one like it - can't swear its the same seller, but I bet it is. As the italians say, Si non e vero e ben trovato -- very loosely, "If it's not the real thing, it is a happy franken." And you got it for a decent price.