Fitted with the automatic Zenith El Primero movement, this Ebel is the same model as worn by Don Johnson in Miami Vice. Model reference 1134901.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
Ebel watches are very difficult to date accurately, but we do know that the automatic chronograph was launched at Basel in 1983. Miami Vice was a huge global hit and ran between 1985 and 1989. ‘Sonny’ Crockett wore the same model as this (after briefly wearing a fake Rolex Day Date). Mid eighties is a likely production date for this watch.
CONDITION
Zenith made the first (arguably) automatic chronograph movement, which they called El Primero, in 1969. But in the Eighties Zenith made a decision to stop producing mechanical watches, and legend has it the watchmakers hid the tooling for the El Primero as it was going to be scrapped! But several companies recognised how good the movement was, and started using them even when Zenith were not. Ebel and Dunhill used it in the full form, with date and running at 36,6 kbph, whereas Rolex removed the date function and slowed the watch down when fitting it in the Daytona.
This model has the Zenith 400 calibre but rebranded on the oscillating weight as an Ebel 134. Everything is working correctly of course. The bezel is 18k gold, and the fantastic wave bracelet that is unique to Ebel is very comfortable. The dial, hands and rehaut are all excellent. 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. The styling is not eighties at all – but if you want to roll up those sleeves and climb into the Testarossa and play Miami Vice then this is perfect!
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
This watch has been checked against the Watch Register and has not been reported as lost, stolen or implicated in fraud, and a copy of that certificate will also be included.
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 41.6 mm
Width without crown 37.3 mm
Between lugs 20 mm
Lug to lug length 42.4 mm
Case Thickness 11.2 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 194 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.
