With the added feature of a Flyback chronograph, Zenith extended the already superb El-Primero range. Model reference 01/02.0470.405.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
While we have the original papers for this watch the warranty card is not dated. We know the flyback feature was introduced in 1997 from magazine articles and adverts from the time, and we estimate this watch was made circa 1998. We also have a service receipt from Zenith for a complete service dated from 2017.
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). Here is the kicker – a Rolex Daytona with a simplified Zenith movement will cost £18,000 plus.
This watch has a bezel that rotates in both directions – this is because this watch was aimed at aviators, not divers. We suspect the bezel was changed at service, as the lume pip is brighter than the original hands and dial – it is also slightly off centre. If you are not aware, a flyback chronograph can be stopped and restarted instantly with the press of one button, as shown in the video. Everything is working correctly, including the quick set date that works in the second position of the crown (which is normally hand set in most watches, but the El-Primero is not most watches). 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 presentation box, papers 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 45.0 mm
Width without crown 40.0 mm
Between lugs 20 mm
Lug to lug length 46.4 mm
Case Thickness 12.3 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 190 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.
