The Zenith El-Primero is to many people the ultimate chronograph, and the Chronomaster is the ultimate El-Primero.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number matching COSC Chronometre certification we know this watch was tested in September 1999. We also have the guarantee paperwork, but this was never filled in.
CONDITION
When Zenith first launched the El-Primero movement in 1969 it vied for the title of the World’s first automatic chronograph with the Seiko 6139 and the Dubois-Depraz, Buren, Breitling and Heuer developed Caliber 11. From what we understand, and it is still debated, Zenith announced the achievement first, then Seiko launched their watch and Heuer then launched theirs. They were three very different solutions to the same problem, and all we need to know is that all three lay some claim to fame. The El-Primero was different in that it ran at a much higher frequency – 36,000 beats per hour, or High Beat as it has become known. This means that it beats ten times a second, which allows it to time to the 10th of a second.
Zenith nearly scrapped the tools to make this movement, but someone else saw the beauty in this movement and added to their watches. It wasn’t until 1988 that Rolex offered their Daytona chronograph watch with an automatic movement, and the only movement that met their standards was the El-Primero (although they halved the number of parts, by slowing it down to 28,800 bph, removing the date functionality and changing the escapement). Rolex used this movement for 12 years. Ebel, Dunhill and others also adopted the movement for their premium chronographs, including (according to this article) Tag Heuer.
So why is the Chronomaster the ultimate El-Primero? First used in 1995 in 18k gold cases, they added extra complications to an already complex movement. As well as the high beat chronograph, they added day and month windows to the calendar, and a proper 29.5 day moonphase too. The sapphire glass front and rear, showing off the workmanship on both sides of the watch was a welcome addition too. This is all in a slim case too, and legible too.
This Chronomaster is in very good order, and naturally fully working. We have a receipt for a service carried out in 2007, and the aftermarket strap and buckle are new. The very good anti reflective coating on the sapphire crystal does have some smudges, but it is still very effective. The quick set date is done via position 2 of the crown (unusually, position 1 or the first click adjusts the time, and the second click does the date on El-Primeros.). The quick set adjuster at 8 works the day of the week, and the one above quick sets the moonphase.
This watch will be supplied with the original presentation box, instruction papers, COSC certificate, previous service history 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 42.4 mm
Width without crown 40.0 mm
Between lugs 20 mm
Lug to lug length 46.4 mm
Case Thickness 12.5 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 6 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.
