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Lot Essay
Very difficult to find in such original condition, with a beautifully and evenly aged dial, the present example of the first automatic chronograph is a dream for collectors.
Launched in 1969, Zenith’s El Primero was the first-ever automatic chronograph, its name, El Primero, meaning 'The First'. As such, the model has become a true icon among vintage wristwatches. It has an immediately recognizable design, featuring a round case with a thin bezel, a tachymeter scale, and a decimal scale up to 100 units. The distinctive overlapping subsidiary dials in different colors have become a hallmark of the El Primero chronograph.
The movement, Caliber 3019 PHC, was absolutely groundbreaking when it was released after several years of development. This Zenith caliber became even more legendary when it was revived in 1985 as Caliber 400 and later chosen by Rolex in 1987 as the base for developing their first automatic chronograph, Caliber 4030.
Launched in 1969, Zenith’s El Primero was the first-ever automatic chronograph, its name, El Primero, meaning 'The First'. As such, the model has become a true icon among vintage wristwatches. It has an immediately recognizable design, featuring a round case with a thin bezel, a tachymeter scale, and a decimal scale up to 100 units. The distinctive overlapping subsidiary dials in different colors have become a hallmark of the El Primero chronograph.
The movement, Caliber 3019 PHC, was absolutely groundbreaking when it was released after several years of development. This Zenith caliber became even more legendary when it was revived in 1985 as Caliber 400 and later chosen by Rolex in 1987 as the base for developing their first automatic chronograph, Caliber 4030.