Vintage Zenith El Primero thread-

[farmkid]

I absolutely love the late 1960's early 70's El Primero's but sadly there aren't many around and you seldom see them written about on here.
If any TZ-UK members have a vintage Zenith El Primero could they post a pic on here- it would be great to see them.....
Here's a pic lifted off the net to get things started:

[rasputin10]

I'll play, here's mine...


wonderful watches from a great era and offer exceptional value IMO

Great thread here with loads of info

[farmkid]

This model is very rare- & maybe a bit pricey!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1813490204...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Piemuncher22]

I'll play, here's mine...


wonderful watches from a great era and offer exceptional value IMO

Great thread here with loads of info

Is that possibly the coolest watch ever made........ Ever?? I have admired that particular El Primero model from the comfort of my computer screen for a couple of years now.

I really must try one on at some point!

[shalako]

I recently bought a remake of this 70's Zenith which recently made a fortune at a recent auction, it was only 37mm but the newer version limited to 500 is 42mm.



This is the latest 42mm re-launched version that I have. (Pictures from the web)

[andy111s]

My A386 -

[Captainhowdy]

Not quite the same age, but they won't be long.

[JeppeRober]

I'll play, here's mine...


wonderful watches from a great era and offer exceptional value IMO

Great thread here with loads of info

Beautiful watch. I love that case shape, looks like it's built to last!

[farmkid]

My A386 -

That's a beauty....have you had it a long time?

[Omegary]

Not a Zenith but Movado where a sister company in the late 60's/early 70's and used the El Primero movement (cal.3019 PHC) to create the Datron. They came in a 31 jewel and 17 jewel (for the American market I believe) variants.




Personally I prefer the date window at 12 as apposed to 4.30 and it's probably a bit rarer than the Zenith, yet usually costs less to acquire.

Cheers,
Gary

[Andsan]

[learningtofly]

Not too long ago, Panofski would have had us drooling on this thread. Upsetting, that :(

[MattH]

Lovely.. I like the reissue.. A zenith is my next purchase...

[Stu]

I recently bought a remake of this 70's Zenith which recently made a fortune at a recent auction, it was only 37mm but the newer version limited to 500 is 42mm.

This is the latest 42mm re-launched version that I have. (Pictures from the web)

I like this, a lot. Give me a shout if you put it up for sale

S

[MattH]

Yeah the moon phase is very cool..

What sort of money do they go for ?

Cheers

Matt

[farmkid]

Some useful links:

http://www.zenith-watches.com/en_en/...ero-410-2.html


http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/introdu...he-70s-classic


http://www.chrono24.com/en/zenith/el...arch/index.htm

[pepere13]

How about a Vintage Sub Sea pilot line...



... black dial ref 01.0190.415, 800 made, 1975 , with its integrated Zenith bracelet

Not to mention the grey dial version, ref 01.0150.415 , 500 made ;)

... despite its weight and size, a very versatile watch indeed!

[bambam]

Does a manual version count??

[o u t a t i m e]

I love Zenith and I love this thread! Here's my trio of El Primeros:

[N.Burgher]

Could somebody share the reliability/repairability of these vintage El Primeros?
I am quite tempted to get one as well.
However, I heard that all El Primeros use horizontal coupling, which could be an issue for oldies.

[Joppers]

I love Zenith and I love this thread! Here's my trio of El Primeros:

That's really nice! Have you ever tried it on a leather strap?

[o u t a t i m e]

That's really nice! Have you ever tried it on a leather strap?

Hello, thanks... no I haven't. But I'm not into straps... Strictly steel for me, with only a few exceptions (it's just a question of comfort more than look).

[andy111s]

That's a beauty....have you had it a long time?

Since last summer; I like vintage automatic chronographs so an early EP was natural, the A386 is a condensation of many characteristics of interest and was among the first Zenith EPs to boot, so a really important one I think. Looks great too - especially on the GF open bracelet.

[noiseboyuk]

Just a Zenith group shot.

Included are a couple of the ultra rare non Primero movement Sub Sea Diver Chronographs with rotating inner bezels.

[o u t a t i m e]

Just a Zenith group shot.

Included are a couple of the ultra rare non Primero movement Sub Sea Diver Chronographs with rotating inner bezels.

Lovely! What's the one at 5 o'clock? I always thought that the A386 and the A3817 were the only vintage El Primeros with the large overlapping subdials in different colours. But that one doesn't look like either of those two models (though I am looking at your pic on my phone, so maybe I'm seeing things wrong!).

[andy111s]

Oof - very nice black Sub Sea and super A385 too.

[andymonkey]

How about a Vintage Sub Sea pilot line...



... black dial ref 01.0190.415, 800 made, 1975 , with its integrated Zenith bracelet

Not to mention the grey dial version, ref 01.0150.415 , 500 made ;)

... despite its weight and size, a very versatile watch indeed!

That looks like a toilet shot!
Great watch!

[sweets]

Not especially vintage - late 80s in fact.



But I suppose that puts it over 25 years old, so it may qualify......

Dave

[jayleb]

I love Zenith and I love this thread! Here's my trio of El Primeros:

Seriously considering selling off my collection, buying an all-original A386 (if I can find one) and calling it a day with this watch malarkey. Do you think the A386 could handle being someone's daily wearer? Or is just too fragile for such a mission?

[Andsan]

[yonsson]

I've got the new 38mm version. Would love to have a good vintage example of the same model.

[yonsson]

Do you think the A386 could handle being someone's daily wearer? Or is just too fragile for such a mission?

There are lots of el primeros being used daily without any problems. As long as you keep it serviced it won't be a problem.

[melhick]

Not usually a fan of mesh but that looks so good!