New in, El Primero Cronomaster.

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30th January 2018, 13:21
Redwolf

New in, El Primero Cronomaster.

Hi all
I recently had a post asking whether I should trade my Zenith Captain Chronograph for a Breitling Navitimer, long story short I decided against it and started looking for an El Primero I actually wanted.

I would love to be able to duplicate some of the more extravagant new acquisition posts on here, ditto with the pictures admittedly I’m getting better but a long way to go.

Enter the Zenith Chronomaster complete calendar or triple date Moonphase. First thing I said to myself when I held it in hand was it’s the best looking watch I have ever owned end of. Nothing comes close imo terms of detailing on the dial case and the movement.

This is the Guilloche dial not seen a lot when I saw it I knew instantly that I had to buy it. I measures a perfect 39mm not including crown has a slightly domed Sapphire Crystal. The case has the two step Art Deco style. Lug shape is sublime this watch oozes pure class. Everything just fits together perfectly.

This one came with original box but no papers unfortunately. The Romanian seller from Chrono24 included 1 year warranty on the movement. Incidentally he was a great guy to deal with. I ended up paying £3315k
I am more than happy with that.

Calibre 410z 31 jewels, 36k vph obviously [emoji849]

Thanks for reading.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d6b739baf2.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...bbb840ad5f.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a858c6f34b.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b11ff2fe72.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...93f048a821.jpg

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30th January 2018, 13:26
bambam

That is lovely!! Good purchase. Nice to see some Zenith love.
30th January 2018, 13:35
aucky

So damn classy. Well done!
30th January 2018, 13:48
paskinner

What a nice choice. Zenith are sadly under-rated. That is lovely. Have Fun!
30th January 2018, 15:15
Carl.1

I agree fantastic dial and detail. But why do they, and so many other watchmakers insist on a date window at that angle? Hands look hard to read against that dial. Change them out for some blued steel and you would have a winner.
Other than that nice watch.:eagerness:
30th January 2018, 15:25
David_D

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redwolf

I ended up paying £3315k I am more than happy with that.

£3.3 million!

Lovely watch but out of my league.
30th January 2018, 15:40
Integrale

This is on my to do list. Have come close a few times, but not yet taken the plunge. Very elegant.
30th January 2018, 16:05
Redwolf

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl.1

I agree fantastic dial and detail. But why do they, and so many other watchmakers insist on a date window at that angle? Hands look hard to read against that dial. Change them out for some blued steel and you would have a winner.
Other than that nice watch.:eagerness:

Good idea although the thought of making it non original does not bode well with me, honestly you can’t see in the photos but the hands are angled? so they always catch the available light and somehow appear black in certain light.

Quote:

Originally Posted by David_D

£3.3 million!

Lovely watch but out of my league.

[emoji23] sorry of course I mean 3,315k

Thanks for all the kind words guys.

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30th January 2018, 17:22
Derivative

Superb watch, congrats.

Zenith have made the el primero into a very versatile calibre, by clothing it for pretty much every taste.

My personal favourite is the black and white Rainbow Flyback - purposeful and understated.

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30th January 2018, 17:24
MrMater

Lovely looking thing. That iridescent blue on the moon phase is gorgeous.

Great value for money [emoji1303]

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30th January 2018, 17:49
Strnglwhank

New in, El Primero Cronomaster.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redwolf

Good idea although the thought of making it non original does not bode well with me, honestly you can’t see in the photos but the hands are angled? so they always catch the available light and somehow appear black in certain light.

[emoji23] sorry of course I mean 3,315k

Thanks for all the kind words guys.

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That’s still £3.3m [emoji39]

I love this watch & on the lookout for 1 myself. Wouldn’t have the bottle for Chrono24 though.

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30th January 2018, 18:03
Normunds

Lovely Zenith you got.
30th January 2018, 18:04
Redwolf

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strnglwhank

That’s still £3.3m [emoji39]

I love this watch & on the lookout for 1 myself. Wouldn’t have the bottle for Chrono24 though.

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Ahh lol three grand, how’s that?
Chrono24 is actually really good. My experience was anyway. I googled the seller and saw he had a website etc some reviews. Asked loads of questions. You get a feel for when something’s right or wrong I think.

Plus Chrono24 offer degrees of protection the money is held in an escrow account and only when you receive the watch do they release the funds. Also you get buyer protection which gives you 14 days to check the watch for legitimacy etc and they will help you with a resolution should the need occur. How good this service is ? I don’t know but good to know it’s offered.

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30th January 2018, 18:09
Strnglwhank

You’ve convinced me to give it more thought. Yours looks like one of the end of line versions with that guilloche dial. I’d get it serviced for piece of mind as those EP movements need a little more TLC. Lovely watch [emoji1303]

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30th January 2018, 18:13
Fredamens

The dial is very interesting and I like the way Zenith have played with the Roman Numerals, notably 4 (IV), in this case IIII, I believe Cartier do the same as it add symmetry to the dial given the four digits at 8 (VIII).

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30th January 2018, 18:22
Redwolf

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strnglwhank

You’ve convinced me to give it more thought. Yours looks like one of the end of line versions with that guilloche dial. I’d get it serviced for piece of mind as those EP movements need a little more TLC. Lovely watch [emoji1303]

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Have been considering it carefully, might make a new thread on where to go, what year you think it is? No papers unfortunately but my research says 2000-2001 as the last of the 39mm with no rotor number.

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30th January 2018, 18:44
witti

New in, El Primero Cronomaster.

I used to think this will be my exit watch one day. However I realized Roman numerals are not for me and overall the watch would be too dressy for my usual outfit. So moved on, but still think there is no movement in this price segment which would even come close to a full calendar moon phase El Primero.

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30th January 2018, 19:51
Strnglwhank

New in, El Primero Cronomaster.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redwolf

Have been considering it carefully, might make a new thread on where to go, what year you think it is? No papers unfortunately but my research says 2000-2001 as the last of the 39mm with no rotor number.

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I think it’s later than 2001. Zenith were a bit inconsistent with the numbered/unnumbered rotors but it’s generally stated that from 2002 the serial numbers were absent. There are ones out there with numbered rotors such as Tony’s 2006 watch. I think this is more around 2008 & I would guess the watch is actually 40mm. It’d be fun to give the serial number to Zenith to confirm.

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30th January 2018, 20:20
Redwolf

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strnglwhank

I think it’s later than 2001. Zenith were a bit inconsistent with the numbered/unnumbered rotors but it’s generally stated that from 2002 the serial numbers were absent. There are ones out there with numbered rotors such as Tony’s 2006 watch. I think this is more around 2008 & I would guess the watch is actually 40mm. It’d be fun to give the serial number to Zenith to confirm.

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Great idea I will do just that and report back.
Thanks

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30th January 2018, 20:54
misterzero

Nice watch very good value for money

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30th January 2018, 21:05
ajpac

Lovely watch, still on my lust list. Enjoy.:eagerness:
30th January 2018, 22:24
kermorvan666

That's a fantastic looking watch, and i'll be adding it/something similar to my ever growing list of hopeful future watches.

Sounds great value.

Had been thinking (long-term) about an El Primero with multi coloured overlapping dials, but this looks a fancier alternative. Both look a lot more interesting than a Rolex Daytona to me.
30th January 2018, 22:47
FK77

Agree with others, it is a lovely watch and not just the looks but all those complications also add to its appeal. Congratulations!
30th January 2018, 23:00
Eamon

New in, El Primero Cronomaster.

Lovely watch, but I'm biased [emoji4]
I would guess its later than 2002. I think only the gold and platinum models had the guilloche dial initially, but open to correction.
Lots of info here.
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f27/sho...r-1041394.html
Take care adjusting the day or moonphase.
In case you don't have a manual:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f27/adj...er-660259.html

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30th January 2018, 23:09
learningtofly

Wonderful watch, but I would say that...

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12.../DSC01264a.jpg
30th January 2018, 23:47
Redwolf

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eamon

Lovely watch, but I'm biased [emoji4]
I would guess its later than 2002. I think only the gold and platinum models had the guilloche dial initially, but open to correction.
Lots of info here.
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f27/sho...r-1041394.html
Take care adjusting the day or moonphase.
In case you don't have a manual:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f27/adj...er-660259.html

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Many thanks for everyone’s kind words and some criticism [emoji23] Eamon thanks for the links mate I do have a booklet though.
Ps why are you biased?

Quote:

Originally Posted by learningtofly

Wonderful watch, but I would say that...

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12.../DSC01264a.jpg

Stunning of course [emoji1303] thanks for posting.

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31st January 2018, 09:54
Eamon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redwolf

Ps why are you biased?

I have 2 el primero's including a 01.0240.410 as pictured above.
31st January 2018, 12:32
Robins

Looks absolutely stunning that!
14th February 2018, 16:01
Strnglwhank

Quote:

Originally Posted by learningtofly

Wonderful watch, but I would say that...

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12.../DSC01264a.jpg

Tony - is that a Zenith strap?

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14th February 2018, 19:52
nunya

Yep, had one on the bracelet, lovely watch, so much going on yet not too fussy, wish I’d kept it, as I keep coming back to them and watch the price creeping north.
14th February 2018, 22:24
Strnglwhank

Mine’s here 🤩

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d65958af19.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...61c90217eb.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7671f95f82.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5bd4e852f8.jpg

Just need to sort a decent strap & deployant/buckle.

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15th February 2018, 03:00
Tinker

I have two Chronomasters. The earlier version of Redwolf's, which has a beautiful 'cushion' dial, not clear in this photo ...

https://omegaforums.net/attachments/...aa-jpg.137211/

And the almost-hybrid 01.0240.400/01, which has his guilloche dial, but with Breguet numerals (and without the moonphase, day & month, of course).

https://storage.googleapis.com/pubza...th_5527476.jpg

They're both excellent watches.
15th February 2018, 03:10
Tinker

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fredamens

The dial is very interesting and I like the way Zenith have played with the Roman Numerals, notably 4 (IV), in this case IIII, I believe Cartier do the same as it add symmetry to the dial given the four digits at 8 (VIII).

Almost all dials with Roman numerals do. :eagerness:
15th February 2018, 03:23
Tinker

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strnglwhank

Mine’s here 朗
Just need to sort a decent strap & deployant/buckle.

The strap, as you know, is 20mm at the lugs. The deployant, however, comes in both 16mm and 18mm.
15th February 2018, 13:38
Strnglwhank

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinker

The strap, as you know, is 20mm at the lugs. The deployant, however, comes in both 16mm and 18mm.

I think I’m going to go with a Hirsch combo rather than OE. Here’s hoping that not having a Zenith deployant won’t bug me...

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15th February 2018, 14:40
Hackett.dp

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinker

I have two Chronomasters. The earlier version of Redwolf's, which has a beautiful 'cushion' dial, not clear in this photo ...

https://omegaforums.net/attachments/...aa-jpg.137211/

That is stunning, a beautiful dial on a superbly made watch. These are immense value for money. I sold an identical watch last year, and regretted it straight away....
15th February 2018, 19:01
Redwolf

New in, El Primero Cronomaster.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strnglwhank

Mine’s here 🤩

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d65958af19.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...61c90217eb.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7671f95f82.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5bd4e852f8.jpg

Just need to sort a decent strap & deployant/buckle.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lovely!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinker

I have two Chronomasters. The earlier version of Redwolf's, which has a beautiful 'cushion' dial, not clear in this photo ...

https://omegaforums.net/attachments/...aa-jpg.137211/

And the almost-hybrid 01.0240.400/01, which has his guilloche dial, but with Breguet numerals (and without the moonphase, day & month, of course).

https://storage.googleapis.com/pubza...th_5527476.jpg

They're both excellent watches.

Beautiful watches!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strnglwhank

I think I’m going to go with a Hirsch combo rather than OE. Here’s hoping that not having a Zenith deployant won’t bug me...

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Funny I’m thinking about changing my original brown deployant strap for either a navy blue suede or black suede strap.

Any ideas where I can get good quality examples?

✌️
15th February 2018, 19:56
Tinker

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strnglwhank

I think I’m going to go with a Hirsch combo rather than OE. Here’s hoping that not having a Zenith deployant won’t bug me...

Which Hirsch?

(Say that when you've had a drink.)
15th February 2018, 20:15
daveholja

Beauty! How does it feel on the wrist - it looks nice and chunky
15th February 2018, 21:30
Strnglwhank

Hirsch - their quality is good depending on your budget. I like their blue one.

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15th February 2018, 21:33
Strnglwhank

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveholja

Beauty! How does it feel on the wrist - it looks nice and chunky

On the bracelet it does but due to the cushion case it’s very comfortable on a strap. Does tend to rotate without the heft of the bracelet so you’ve got to lock that sucker down on a strap unless you’ve got a decent deployant as a counter weight.

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15th February 2018, 21:38
Strnglwhank

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinker

Which Hirsch?

(Say that when you've had a drink.)

Haha - I reckon if you want a deployant it would have to be the Navigator. If a buckle is what you want I reckon the Connoisseur.

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15th February 2018, 21:54
frequentflyer

That really looks great. Would you prefer the silver from the black?

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15th February 2018, 23:24
Strnglwhank

Quote:

Originally Posted by frequentflyer

That really looks great. Would you prefer the silver from the black?

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The black is lovely but a little less versatile IMO. Truth be told if I didn’t have a Speedy & have already owned a black EP I may have opted for the black

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a1e99ff26e.jpg

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16th February 2018, 00:48
Tinker

At the moment, the Moonphase is on a Hirsch 'Lucca' and a Zenith buckle ...

https://www.strapshop.cz/cache/image...5_049-02_1.jpg
16th February 2018, 00:54
Tinker

And the 'Hybrid' is on a black Zenith Crocodile and Zenith buckle ...

https://www.imageupload.co.uk/images...206_152431.jpg
8th March 2018, 19:36
shalako

Very hard to beat the Zenith Chronomaster’s for value, such a lot of watch for the money and their Guilloche dial’s are sublime, very hard to capture their beauty in photos.

http://www.fototime.com/36159160CF68602/large.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/033A2BD4CFB49F4/large.jpg
8th March 2018, 22:52
Redwolf

Quote:

Originally Posted by shalako

Very hard to beat the Zenith Chronomaster’s for value, such a lot of watch for the money and their Guilloche dial’s are sublime, very hard to capture their beauty in photos.

http://www.fototime.com/36159160CF68602/large.jpg

I don’t usually like open heart watches, but that one is very nice [emoji1303]
9th March 2018, 12:44
shalako

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redwolf

I don’t usually like open heart watches, but that one is very nice [emoji1303]

Thanks, this one is the 45mm Chronomaster Open XXT, just wish I could take good pictures like the OP.

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