Just serviced by Zenith, this Rainbow El-Primero also has the original bracelet and is ready to enjoy.  Model reference 02-460-400.

HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?

From the supplied paperwork which matches the model listed on the case back we can accurately date this watch to being sold in October 1996.

CONDITION

El-Primero translates as The First, as this movement was among (if not) the first automatic chronograph movements.  Launched in 1969 it was unquestionably better specification than the Calibre 11 or the Seiko 6139A that also claim the record, as this was the only one that is a high beat movement.  Because it beats at 36.6kpbh, or ten times a second, you can accurately measure to the tenth of a second.  It was so good that companies such as Ebel, Dunhill and Movado used the same movement under license, and Rolex used it for their Daytona (albeit dumbed down with no date and slower beat).  It is the Daytona that the Rainbow model is targeting – but did Rolex tell Zenith they were developing their own automatic chronograph movement (launched in 2000), or did Zenith launching this watch force the split?  All the styling clues of the Daytona are here, except the rings around the sub dial.  But the tachymetre scale bezel, screw down pushers and crown, and even the case size are close to the Rolex model.  Here is the kicker – a Rolex Daytona with a simplified Zenith movement will cost £18,000 plus.

This example is good, with the added value of having the original papers and the receipt for a recent full service by Zenith themselves.  The movement photos are taken before the service, so as not to invalidate the warranty.  The movement all works perfectly, and like all El-Primero the quick set date is in the second position of the crown – the first position sets the hands and this takes a little getting used to.  Both pushers and crown screw down smoothly – this was called the Rainbow after a sailing boat, so water resistance was improved from earlier models.  Case and bracelet have light signs of being worn, as we insisted the case and bracelet were not polished at service, and the bracelet has an unusual clasp that is branded Zenith Rainbow – obviously original but not one we have seen before.  The dial is very good, and the inner telemetre scale rehaut has just been replaced as part of the service (these can fail with age).  The paint on the bezel is better than most.  The bracelet is quite long and our sister website, SpareLinks.com, may have extra links if required.  The bracelet has been cleaned in our ultrasonic bath.

This watch will be supplied with the original papers comprising of the instruction booklet, warranty card and dealer list, the service warranty until 31/5/2024, the service box and our Certificate of Authenticity.

Please see the HD video for more detail.  All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned.  We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.

​SIZE

Width with crown  43.5 mm

Width without crown  39.8 mm

Between lugs  20 mm

Lug to lug length  46.3 mm

Case Thickness  11.9 mm

Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 193 mm.  The bracelet can be sized for you if you give us your wrist size when placing the order.

All sizes are approximate.  The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches.

Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses.  If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries.  Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us.   Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.

From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon.  By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.

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