2013 Zenith El Primero Espada 40mm Automatic 03.2170.4650

Here we have a 2013 Zenith El Primero Espada Automatic 03.2170.4650 featuring a 40mm brushed and polished stainless steel and 18ct yellow gold case that curves over your wrist with thick, flat-ended lugs. Its curved, polished flanks lead to a lug-to-lug length of 47mm and a case thickness of 11.5mm, giving the watch an impressive wrist presence. On the right side is an 18ct yellow gold signed crown with deep knurling for grip. A smooth, polished bezel holds a domed sapphire crystal above a stunning white dial. An outer minute chapter ring features applied chamfered 18ct yellow gold baton indexes within a bevel-patterned ring that marks the hours, and an inner minute track that marks the hours. At 3 o’clock, a framed date window. Slender 18ct yellow gold hands are complemented by a blued steel Zenith Star counterweighted sweeping second hand. At noon, we have the Zenith El Primero motif, and at 6 o’clock, ‘Espada 36000 VpH’ completes this sophisticated sports watch. On the reverse, a screwed-down exhibition case back is engraved with the watch's details. Inside an automatic Zenith Cal. 4650 B, 22 jewels, beating at 36,000 beats per hour, its skeletonised rotor has the Zenith star inside. It comes paired with its 20mm polished and brushed stainless steel and bracelet, secured by a signed, concealed butterfly clasp, plus spare links; it will fit up to a 7.2-inch wrist, and is presented in its Zenith presentation box, swing tag and paperwork.

This watch is sold with its Zenith box, swing tag and original paperwork. It comes paired with its 20mm polished and brushed stainless steel bracelet secured by a signed concealed butterfly clasp, plus spare links; it will fit up to a 7.2-inch wrist. The watch is from November 2013 and is in worn condition, as you can see. A full case and bracelet polish can be done at an additional cost upon request. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

It is shocking how undervalued and underappreciated the Zenith Espadas are in the market today. This is the wonderful, white and gold dial in 40mm featuring the automatic Zenith Cal. 4650B, a simplified and stripped-back El Primero, but it keeps the amazing high beat 36,000 sweep. Some terms are thrown around a little too often in my opinion, and 'GADA' watch is one of them, the 'Go Anywhere, Do Anything' watch, but this Zenith Espada definitely ticks that box and could easily be your daily watch and not look out of place in any situation. I would not hesitate to book an appointment to try this one for yourself!

Reference : 03.2171.4650/01.M2170
Movement : Automatic Zenith Cal. 4650 B
Age : November 2013
Year : 2013
Case Size : 40mm
Case Thickness : 11.5mm
Lug to Lug : 47mm
Lugs : 20mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel & 18ct 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.