![]() ![]() Indeed, it is this charming interaction with the light, which is one of several successful elements of the design language.Ī 30-minute chronograph register is positioned at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour counter is located at 6 o’clock and a small seconds display resides adjacent 9 o’clock. The applied and faceted indexes are rhodiumed and detailed with luminous material which, in combination with the matching hour and minute hands, pleasingly shimmer in ambient light. The silver-toned dial has a sunray finish which is beautiful and sits perfectly at ease with the stainless steel case material. Measuring 42 mm in diameter, the sizing of the watch will appeal to modern tastes, but it has a classical note which should retain eye-appeal for decades to come. It is 45 years since the El Primero was born and the brand has chosen to mark the legend of this model with the release of a 500-piece limited series, presented in stainless steel and aptly named the Zenith El Primero 410. In fact, Rolex Daytona models containing the El Primero movement are now much sought after and highly prized by collectors. Rolex subsequently replaced the El-Primero with its own in-house movement, a move driven by a wish to make all its calibers in-house, rather than any failing of the El Primero. Moreover, a number of other brands have chosen to use the famous El-Primero movement, most notably Rolex in their Daytona model. Reliability has never been an issue with the El Primero and its faultless operation is well-known. Zenith has shown over its long history that it has had the prowess to deliver this complexity in a robust and surprisingly more affordable format. However, they are very complex and costly to produce. The column-wheel is the purists’ choice when it comes to chronographs. A few years later, under new ownership, and thanks to Vermot’s actions, El Primero production recommenced. Charles Vermot, an engineer working for the company at the time, chose to store the tools and drawings necessary for El Primero production, preventing them being destroyed. In the midst of the “quartz-crisis”, production of the El Primero ceased. ![]() Ironically, the history could have been very different. This movement was initially called the El Primero 3019 PHF, but its name subsequently changed to the Caliber 410. This frequency allowed the chronograph function to deliver accuracy to 1/10th of a second.īuoyed by the success of the reception accorded to the El Primero 3019 PHC in 1969, Zenith decided later that year, to equip the caliber with triple calendar and moon-phase indications. The high frequency caliber, oscillating at 36,000 vph, necessitated special lubricants to prevent undue wear of the escapement. The architecture of the movement accorded a perfect tri-compax dial layout. It was a fully integrated movement, self-winding, equipped with a date and tachometric scale. It was beautiful back in 1969 when it was launched and has captured admiring glances ever since.įor those readers unfamiliar with the El Primero, it took seven years to bring to fruition. While some brands may dispute this, one attribute, which cannot be argued, is the aesthetic appeal of this caliber. The El Primero is said to be the first self-winding chronograph, hence the name. The El Primero 410 may be one of the latest models from the Swiss watch manufacture based in Le Local, but contained within its handsome case is a familiar friend to watch lovers, the El Primero movement. There is often something new to catch my eye but, whilst the designs may be current, the clothes proffer reassuring familiarity. Whenever I seek new clothing, I frequent the Gant store on Regent Street, London. I know the clothes fit me, are invariably to my taste and deliver excellent quality. This new Zenith El Primero has a similar quality to a brand of clothing I often select, Gant. Foolishly, in a moment of madness, I sold my cherished Zenith a few years ago, an action I have since come to regret. Like many admirers of chronographs, I have owned a Zenith timepiece containing the legendary movement that oscillates at 5 Hz. This particular model includes a full calendar and moon-phase indication.Īs I held the new Zenith El Primero 410 in my hands, it felt reassuringly familiar. The watch contains the legendary self-winding El Primero fully integrated chronograph movement. Angus Davies, on his Escapement watch blog, reviews the limited edition Zenith El Primero 410. ![]()
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