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Condition Report

Case:
This example features thick, symmetrical lugs. Light scratches adorn the case and the edges are relatively sharp, but it was likely very lightly polished at some point in its history. It has been expertly cleaned by one of our technicians, but not at all polished.

Dial:
The dial is overall in good vintage condition a few scratches toward the center of the dial and attractive tritium "burn" around some of the markers. A number of the lume plots have disintegrated with age and are no longer present.

Movement:
The fully-serviced automatic-winding calibre by Zenith is in excellent condition.

Strap:
18mm light brown aftermarket suede strap.

Shipping/Returns/Warranty Info

Every GAUTHIER timepiece comes with a one-year mechanical warranty starting from the date of delivery. We ensure all watches are in excellent working condition and are ready for daily wear. They have been fully serviced by our team of expert watchmakers or inspected for recent skilled service.

We offer complimentary insured shipping within all 50 U.S. states on every watch purchase.

Timepieces are packed in our Los Angeles showroom, and then shipped with fully-insured 2-Day shipping via UPS or FedEx within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required upon delivery to ensure coverage. Expedited shipping options are available for an additional fee. For clients in Los Angeles, we’re pleased to offer in-person delivery or showroom pickup by appointment.

Returns must be shipped via overnight or priority international service, fully insured, and at the buyer’s expense. A label will be provided and a restocking fee may apply. All returns must be received in the original condition as when shipped.

We welcome international clients—please contact us before purchasing to discuss available shipping and payment arrangements.

Please note:
* Due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, they may not keep time as accurately as when new, nor as precisely as quartz or electronic devices.
* We do not guarantee water resistance and do not warranty against moisture or water damage. Deliberate exposure to water or steam is not recommended.
Warranty Exclusions:
* Internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
* Our warranty is non-transferable.

GAUTHIER Watches Guarantee

AT GAUTHIER WATCHES, EVERY TIMEPIECE IS CURATED WITH UNCOMPROMISING ATTENTION TO AUTHENTICITY, CONDITION, AND PROVENANCE. YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR FOREMOST PRIORITY, AND IT IS OUR PRIVILEGE TO GUIDE YOU IN FINDING THE PERFECT ADDITION TO YOUR COLLECTION. OUR TEAM IS AT YOUR SERVICE FOR ANY INQUIRIES OR PERSONAL ASSISTANCE.

Our Guarantee:
* Every watch is meticulously inspected, authenticated, and approved by our expert team prior to sale.
* All components are guaranteed to be period-correct unless otherwise noted.
* Authenticity is guaranteed for the lifetime of the watch.

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Zenith

1970's Zenith Automatic Cushion Ref. 28800 - Blue Tritium Burned Dial

1970's Zenith Automatic Cushion Ref. 28800 - Blue Tritium Burned Dial

$1,750.00 USD
$1,750.00 USD
Sale SOLD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
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  • Delivery Free insured express delivery worldwide.
  • Collectors No sales tax on USA orders outside California.
  • Authenticity Guaranteed 100% genuine and authentic.
  • Warranty Recently fully-serviced. Backed with a 1-year warranty.
  • Returns 5-day inspection period and easy return policy.

In the context of Swiss watchmaking in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Zenith was at an interesting crossroads. Just a few years earlier it had debuted the El Primero, one of the first automatic chronograph movements in the world. While later celebrated for its high-beat chronographs, Zenith’s broader production at the time included robust, straightforward automatic watches designed for everyday wear rather than racing circuits or flight decks. Among these was the reference 28800, a family of automatic timepieces powered by Zenith’s reliable Calibre 2562PC, so named for its 28,800 vibrations per hour rate, a specification that was technically advanced for non-chronograph movements of the era.

The example on offer here, a 1970's Zenith Automatic Cushion Ref. 28800 with a blue "tritium-burned" dial, wears its era plainly. The cushion-shaped stainless steel case measures 37mm across, a size that remains true vintage proportions while sitting comfortably with modern sensibilities. The lugs are thick and symmetrical, and although there are light surface scratches from age, the lines remain defined, suggesting a careful life rather than heavy refurbishment.

What draws you first is the dial. Its deep sunburst blue evokes a Slim Aarons Mediterranean scene, and it has developed an attractive patina over time, with “tritium burn” showing around the applied indices. It's evidence of lived history, something collectors prize because it cannot be recreated. The applied steel markers and baton hands retain a clear presence against the dial surface and the date at six o’clock is a balanced touch that adds utility without distracting from the overall symmetry. 

The movement inside feels solid. Zenith’s Calibre 2562PC is not a headline-grabbing engine like the El Primero, but it is dependable and smooth. It is presented on a light brown suede strap that compliments the blue dial and steel case, though a period-correct bracelet would suit it equally well. In all, this is a watch that speaks to a specific moment in Zenith’s history: a time of transition, of solid mechanical craftsmanship, and of dependable character from a brand that deserves more recognition than it receives.

SKU# G1053
Circa

1970's
Brand

Zenith
Model

Automatic
Movement

Automatic-winding
Calibre

2562 PC
Jewels

23
Dial Description

Original Zenith Blue Sunburst Dial: Applied Steel Block-shaped Markers with White-colored Centers and Lume Plots with Baton Hands
Case Width (Not Incl. Crown)

37mm
Length Lug to Lug

42mm
Thickness

11mm
Strap Width

11mm
Shape

Cushion
Material

Stainless Steel
Country of Origin

Switzerland
Box/Papers

Watch-Only

Condition Report

Case:
This example features thick, symmetrical lugs. Light scratches adorn the case and the edges are relatively sharp, but it was likely very lightly polished at some point in its history. It has been expertly cleaned by one of our technicians, but not at all polished.

Dial:
The dial is overall in good vintage condition a few scratches toward the center of the dial and attractive tritium "burn" around some of the markers. A number of the lume plots have disintegrated with age and are no longer present.

Movement:
The fully-serviced automatic-winding calibre by Zenith is in excellent condition.

Strap:
18mm light brown aftermarket suede strap.

Shipping/Returns/Warranty Info

Every GAUTHIER timepiece comes with a one-year mechanical warranty starting from the date of delivery. We ensure all watches are in excellent working condition and are ready for daily wear. They have been fully serviced by our team of expert watchmakers or inspected for recent skilled service.

We offer complimentary insured shipping within all 50 U.S. states on every watch purchase.

Timepieces are packed in our Los Angeles showroom, and then shipped with fully-insured 2-Day shipping via UPS or FedEx within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required upon delivery to ensure coverage. Expedited shipping options are available for an additional fee. For clients in Los Angeles, we’re pleased to offer in-person delivery or showroom pickup by appointment.

Returns must be shipped via overnight or priority international service, fully insured, and at the buyer’s expense. A label will be provided and a restocking fee may apply. All returns must be received in the original condition as when shipped.

We welcome international clients—please contact us before purchasing to discuss available shipping and payment arrangements.

Please note:
* Due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, they may not keep time as accurately as when new, nor as precisely as quartz or electronic devices.
* We do not guarantee water resistance and do not warranty against moisture or water damage. Deliberate exposure to water or steam is not recommended.
Warranty Exclusions:
* Internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
* Our warranty is non-transferable.

GAUTHIER Watches Guarantee

AT GAUTHIER WATCHES, EVERY TIMEPIECE IS CURATED WITH UNCOMPROMISING ATTENTION TO AUTHENTICITY, CONDITION, AND PROVENANCE. YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR FOREMOST PRIORITY, AND IT IS OUR PRIVILEGE TO GUIDE YOU IN FINDING THE PERFECT ADDITION TO YOUR COLLECTION. OUR TEAM IS AT YOUR SERVICE FOR ANY INQUIRIES OR PERSONAL ASSISTANCE.

Our Guarantee:
* Every watch is meticulously inspected, authenticated, and approved by our expert team prior to sale.
* All components are guaranteed to be period-correct unless otherwise noted.
* Authenticity is guaranteed for the lifetime of the watch.

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