1997 Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Limited Rose Gold 17.0500.400

Here we have a 1997 Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Rose Gold 17.0500.400
Limited to 185/750 pieces. Designed by J. Borges Freitas to celebrate the five hundredth anniversary of Vasco da Gama's first voyage to India, 1497-1499 and nicknamed the São Gabriel after the Portuguese flagship. The 38mm 18ct Rose Gold round case curves over your wrist with tapered lugs. Its bevel-edged flanks lead to a lug-to-lug length of 45mm and a case thickness of 12mm, giving the watch an impressive wrist presence. Down the right side, we have the rectangular pushers and a signed crown in the centre. The stepped smooth bezel holds a domed sapphire crystal above a dynamic white dial. An outer Telemeter scale in black ink, an outer minute track, Tachymeter scale in blue ink surrounding applied Rose Gold Arabic numerals and lume pips marking the hours, a blue snailed Tachymeter, used to measure speeds slower than 60 cycles per hour, at 3 o’clock a 30-minute register, at 6 o’clock a 12-hour register, at 9 o’clock a small seconds register, each intersecting the other scales, reminiscent of the early chronographs and at 4.30 a colour matched date window, elegant Rose Gold sword hands filled with Super-LumiNova are complemented by a straight chronograph hand, in the centre we have the Zenith El Primero motif completing this very distinctive vintage-inspired chronograph. On the reverse, a screw-down exhibition case back engraved with the details of the watch and the limited number 185/750. Inside an automatic Zenith El Primero Cal. 400, with 31 jewels and a beat rate of 36,000 beats per hour, this column-wheel chronograph has a bidirectional rotor with the iconic Zenith El Primero engraved into it and is made up of 278 components. The watch comes paired with its original Zenith 19mm leather strap and Zenith buckle. This watch is sold with its original Zenith box, swing tag and Zenith paperwork.

This watch is sold with its original Zenith box, swing tag and Zenith paperwork. The watch comes paired with its original Zenith 19mm leather strap and deployant buckle. The watch is from Circa. 1997 and is sold in worn condition, but overall, it is in very fair condition for its age, as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

There is no denying that the Zenith El Primero is a legendary icon among watches, and this rarely seen reference 17.0500.400 is no exception. Cased in a beautiful 18ct Rose Gold case, it is on the slightly bolder side, but on the wrist, it wears perfectly. Limited to just 750, you'll likely never see another in the wild. I would not hesitate to book an appointment to come and see this one, but be warned, you will likely walk out with it on your wrist and a big smile on your face!

Reference : 17.0500.400
Movement : Automatic Zenith El Primero Cal. 400
Age : Circa. 1997
Year : 1997
Case Size : 38mm
Case Thickness : 12mm
Lug to Lug : 45mm
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box and Papers
Case Material : 18ct Pink/Rose Gold
Warranty : 12 Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Zenith was established in 1865 by the ambitious 22-year-old watchmaking prodigy Georges Favre-Jacot. The company established its manufacturing base in Le Locle, a picturesque town in the Swiss Jura Mountains known for its rich horological heritage. The brand gained international recognition in 1909 when the pioneering French aviator Louis Blériot wore a Zenith watch during his historic flight across the English Channel, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. Zenith's watches have adorned the wrists of remarkable adventurers, including the legendary Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. He made history by being the first person to reach both the South Pole in 1911 and the North Pole in 1926. As the company approached its centennial celebration in 1965, Zenith’s designers sought to confront the most challenging technological hurdle facing the watch industry: the creation of a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement. Their efforts culminated in the development of the legendary El Primero movement, which was released in 1969. The El Primero, known for its high-frequency escapement and remarkable accuracy, went into production in 1975 and saw a re-issue in 1986. However, the 1960s were turbulent for Zenith due to ongoing litigation regarding naming rights. To navigate through these challenges, the Zenith watch company merged in 1968 with Movado, another respected Swiss brand. This strategic alliance allowed Zenith to leverage Movado’s extensive distribution networks in the United States and stabilise its presence in the market. In 1971, the Zenith Radio Company, which had previously been in conflict with its Swiss counterpart, opted to buy Zenith Watch Company, effectively uniting two entities under the same brand during a challenging period known as the Quartz Crisis. In 1975, Zenith's leadership made the drastic decision to transition entirely to quartz watch production, marking a significant shift in their manufacturing philosophy. This included the controversial decision to destroy all mechanical watch components and blueprints, including those related to the historical El Primero movement. However, thanks to the courageous actions of Charles Vermot, a senior engineer in Zenith’s movement-making department, the company's rich mechanical heritage was saved. Together with a small group of loyal colleagues, Vermot secretly hid the El Primero blueprints and parts in a concealed attic at the factory, preserving them for potential future use amidst the pervasive quartz trend. Vermot’s foresight bore fruit in the 1980s as the market shifted back toward mechanical watches. Prominent brands like Ebel and Rolex reintroduced mechanical chronograph styles, paving the way for Zenith’s revival. The carefully safeguarded El Primero re-emerged as the driving force behind Rolex's hugely successful Daytona series. In 1978, Zenith was acquired from Zenith Radio Company, which is now part of LG Electronics, by Dixi, a company specialising in machine tools based in Le Locle. This transition marked a new chapter for Zenith, which began reintroducing its El Primero-equipped chronograph watches to meet the rising demand for high-end mechanical timepieces. In 1999, Zenith became part of the prestigious LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) group, aligning itself with other luxury brands such as TAG Heuer and Hublot. Even today, Zenith stands out as one of the few Swiss manufacturers that not only produces mechanical watches but also crafts its own movements.