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Thread: New in, El Primero Cronomaster.

  1. #1
    Master Redwolf's Avatar
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    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

    Thanks for reading.







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  2. #2
    Master
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    That is lovely!! Good purchase. Nice to see some Zenith love.

  3. #3
    Apprentice
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    So damn classy. Well done!

  4. #4
    Master
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    What a nice choice. Zenith are sadly under-rated. That is lovely. Have Fun!

  5. #5
    Craftsman
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    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.

  6. #6
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Redwolf View Post
    I ended up paying £3315k I am more than happy with that.
    £3.3 million!

    Lovely watch but out of my league.

  7. #7
    Craftsman Integrale's Avatar
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    This is on my to do list. Have come close a few times, but not yet taken the plunge. Very elegant.

  8. #8
    Master Redwolf's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Carl.1 View Post
    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.
    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 View Post
    £3.3 million!

    Lovely watch but out of my league.
    sorry of course I mean 3,315k

    Thanks for all the kind words guys.


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  9. #9
    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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  10. #10
    Craftsman
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    Lovely looking thing. That iridescent blue on the moon phase is gorgeous.

    Great value for money


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  11. #11
    Master Strnglwhank's Avatar
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    New in, El Primero Cronomaster.

    Quote Originally Posted by Redwolf View Post
    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.


    sorry of course I mean 3,315k

    Thanks for all the kind words guys.


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    That’s still £3.3m

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


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  12. #12
    Lovely Zenith you got.

  13. #13
    Master Redwolf's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Strnglwhank View Post
    That’s still £3.3m

    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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  14. #14
    Master Strnglwhank's Avatar
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    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


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  15. #15
    Master
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    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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  16. #16
    Master Redwolf's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Strnglwhank View Post
    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


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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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  17. #17
    Master witti's Avatar
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    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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  18. #18
    Master Strnglwhank's Avatar
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    New in, El Primero Cronomaster.

    Quote Originally Posted by Redwolf View Post
    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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    Last edited by Strnglwhank; 30th January 2018 at 20:11.

  19. #19
    Master Redwolf's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Strnglwhank View Post
    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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  20. #20
    Craftsman
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    Nice watch very good value for money

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  21. #21
    Craftsman
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    Lovely watch, still on my lust list. Enjoy.

  22. #22
    Journeyman
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    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.

  23. #23
    Master
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    Agree with others, it is a lovely watch and not just the looks but all those complications also add to its appeal. Congratulations!

  24. #24
    Craftsman
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    New in, El Primero Cronomaster.

    Lovely watch, but I'm biased
    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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  25. #25
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
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    Wonderful watch, but I would say that...


  26. #26
    Master Redwolf's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Eamon View Post
    Lovely watch, but I'm biased
    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 Eamon thanks for the links mate I do have a booklet though.
    Ps why are you biased?

    Quote Originally Posted by learningtofly View Post
    Wonderful watch, but I would say that...

    Stunning of course thanks for posting.



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  27. #27
    Craftsman
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    Quote Originally Posted by Redwolf View Post
    Ps why are you biased?
    I have 2 el primero's including a 01.0240.410 as pictured above.

  28. #28
    Looks absolutely stunning that!

  29. #29
    Master Strnglwhank's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by learningtofly View Post
    Wonderful watch, but I would say that...

    Tony - is that a Zenith strap?


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  30. #30
    Master
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    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.

  31. #31
    Master Strnglwhank's Avatar
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    Mine’s here 🤩









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


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  32. #32
    Master
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    I have two Chronomasters. The earlier version of Redwolf's, which has a beautiful 'cushion' dial, not clear in this photo ...




    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).



    They're both excellent watches.
    Last edited by Tinker; 15th February 2018 at 10:25.

  33. #33
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fredamens View Post
    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.

  34. #34
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Strnglwhank View Post
    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.

  35. #35
    Master Strnglwhank's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tinker View Post
    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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  36. #36
    Journeyman Hackett.dp's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tinker View Post
    I have two Chronomasters. The earlier version of Redwolf's, which has a beautiful 'cushion' dial, not clear in this photo ...



    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....

  37. #37
    Master Redwolf's Avatar
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    New in, El Primero Cronomaster.

    Quote Originally Posted by Strnglwhank View Post
    Mine’s here 🤩









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


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    Lovely!

    Quote Originally Posted by Tinker View Post
    I have two Chronomasters. The earlier version of Redwolf's, which has a beautiful 'cushion' dial, not clear in this photo ...




    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).



    They're both excellent watches.
    Beautiful watches!
    Quote Originally Posted by Strnglwhank View Post
    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...


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    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?



    ✌️

  38. #38
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Strnglwhank View Post
    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.)

  39. #39
    Journeyman
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    Beauty! How does it feel on the wrist - it looks nice and chunky

  40. #40
    Master Strnglwhank's Avatar
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    Hirsch - their quality is good depending on your budget. I like their blue one.


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  41. #41
    Master Strnglwhank's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by daveholja View Post
    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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  42. #42
    Master Strnglwhank's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tinker View Post
    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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  43. #43
    Journeyman
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    That really looks great. Would you prefer the silver from the black?

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  44. #44
    Master Strnglwhank's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by frequentflyer View Post
    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




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  45. #45
    Master
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    At the moment, the Moonphase is on a Hirsch 'Lucca' and a Zenith buckle ...


  46. #46
    Master
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    And the 'Hybrid' is on a black Zenith Crocodile and Zenith buckle ...


  47. #47
    Master shalako's Avatar
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    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.



    Last edited by shalako; 22nd July 2018 at 08:48.

  48. #48
    Master Redwolf's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by shalako View Post
    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.

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

  49. #49
    Master shalako's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Redwolf View Post
    I don’t usually like open heart watches, but that one is very nice
    Thanks, this one is the 45mm Chronomaster Open XXT, just wish I could take good pictures like the OP.

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