2018 Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Open 42mm [ON HOLD]
Ref: 03.2040.4061

Points of Mention

This watch is sold with its original Zenith box and paperwork. The watch comes paired with its original Zenith 21mm leather strap with rubber lining and Zenith double folding clasp. The watch is from Circa. 2018 and is in fantastic condition as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The Watch

Zenith was founded in 1865 by 22-year-old watchmaker Georges Favre-Jacot. Their manufacturing was based in Le Locle Switzerland. Famous Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, who was the first person to reach the South Pole in 1911 and the North Pole in 1926, wore Zenith watches on his expeditions. In 1999 Zenith was purchased by LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) joining brands like TAG and Hublot. Zenith is one of the only Swiss manufacturers to still produce their own in-house movements. Their most recognised movement is the El Primero; it was released in 1969, went into production in 1975, and was re-issued in 1986.

The introduction of the El Primero Automatic as the world's first Automatic Chronograph had a run from 1969 until 1975 when it was decided by Zenith Radio Corporation owners at that time until 1978, that all mechanical movements should cease production and all production be transferred to quartz. It was decreed that everything connected with the manual and El Primero movements be destroyed but thanks to the foresight of Charles Vermot, a foreman of one of the workshops, who hid away as much as he could get his hands on over several months including the 150 presses, thus saving these incredible movements. Thanks to a new contract In 1989 Rolex introduced the Daytona Ref 16520 with the El Primero Cal. 4030 inside which had a number of alterations made by Rolex and it was kept under wraps as to who they got their movements from unsurprisingly.

Here we have a 2018 Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Open with a 42mm polished and brushed stainless steel case. Thick tapered lugs curve over your wrist with a lug to lug length of 50mm and a case thickness of 13mm giving the watch an impressive wrist presence. Down the right side, we have the chronograph pushers and a signed screw-down crown. A thin smooth polished bezel hold's a slightly domed sapphire crystal above a striking silver dial. Around the outer edge, we have a Tachymeter. The minute track has chamfered edge batons marking the hours that catch the light as you rotate your wrist. At 3 o'clock a 30-minute register. On the left side, we have an open heart arrangement with rings of polished stainless steel showcasing the stunning escapement beating away. Slender baton hands have SuperLumiNova infill complemented by a fine tapered chronograph hand with a star counterweight. The text is precisely executed at 12 o'clock. On the reverse, we have a screw-down exhibition case back. Inside an Automatic Zenith El Primero Cal. 4061, 31 jewels, 36,000 beats per hour. The modified bi-directional rotor has engraving and the Zenith star, made up of 282 components. The watch comes fitted on a 21mm leather strap with a signed Zenith double folding clasp. The watch also comes with its Zenith presentation box and papers.

Personal Note

Anyone who knows me knows I love Zenith, especially the El Primero I was fortunate enough to have owned one in the past I look forward to the day I can add the perfect one back to my collection. In the meantime, I have the privilege of stocking and offering some absolutely incredible models, just like this one! At 42mm it is on the bigger side and that is perfect for those who prefer a bigger watch, I know some collectors find the traditional sizes a bit too small. The "Open" dial really does draw your eye in and is mesmerising, the movement looks beautiful and the dial is, as always, perfectly executed! I wouldn't hesitate on this one if you've been considering an El Primero for your collection.