2011 Zenith El Primero Black 42mm 03.2040.400/21.C496
Ref: 03.2040.400/21.C496
Specification
Lugs : 21mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : Box and Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold with its original Zenith box and Zenith paperwork. The watch comes paired with its original Zenith 21mm leather strap and deployant buckle. The watch is from June 2011 and is sold in worn condition, but overall, it is in very fair condition for its age, as you can see. A full case and buckle refinish can be provided on request at an additional cost. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
For more photos see here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aOUxQxI8efPEq9wzGxXJpHQSN-OQsWBY?usp=drive_link
4K YouTube video, skip to 4:29 - https://youtu.be/etpJVvBuUOU
The Watch
Here we have a 2011 Zenith El Primero Black 03.2040.400/21.C496 with a 42mm curvaceous polished and radial brushed stainless steel case that curves over your wrist with flat-ended tapered lugs, this is a faithful modern interpretation of the Zenith A386 chronograph that was introduced in 1969, and a lug-to-lug length of 50mm and a case thickness of 12.5mm ensure a comfortable fit on your wrist. Polished and brushed surfaces transition with crisp flowing lines; down the right side, we have piston-style chronograph pushers and a signed crown with deep knurling for grip, a smooth polished bezel that holds a domed sapphire crystal above a dynamic black and silver dial. A blue outer Tachymeter scale chapter ring surrounds a silver minute track, precisely executed, and applied polished baton indexes have faceted edges that play with the light as you rotate your wrist. At 3 o'clock, a blue 30-minute counter inside a silver ring; at 6 o'clock, a blue 12-hour counter with white numerals and markings; and finally, at 9 o'clock, a small blue second counter inside a silver ring; at 6 o’clock, a framed date window, slender baton hands infilled with Super LumiNova complemented by white chronograph hand with its signature Zenith star counterweight and red tip, at 12 o'clock we have the Zenith El Primero motif “36 000 VPH” and “Chronometer” inside the 12-hour register completes this striking vintage-inspired chronograph. On the reverse, a screwed-down exhibition case back showcasing the stunning automatic Zenith El Primero Cal. 400, 31 jewels, a high-frequency column-wheel movement beating at 36,000 beats per hour with a skeletonised Zenith star rotor. The watch comes paired with a 21mm black leather strap with a folding signed deployant clasp, and the watch comes with its Zenith presentation box and paperwork.
Personal Note
There is no denying that the Zenith El Primero is a legendary icon among watches, and this reference 03.2040.400 is no exception, blending heritage and modern sportiness in one package. Coming in a bold 42mm stainless steel case, it is on the slightly larger side, but on the wrist, it wears perfectly, and the contrast with the deep black dial works effortlessly. I would not hesitate to book an appointment to come and see this one in the metal, but be warned, you will likely walk out with it on your wrist and a big smile on your face!
The Brand
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. 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.