Zenith El Primero watches
Zenith's high-beat El Primero movement was used in a number of watches. Since many of these feature the name, 'El Primero' on the dial, the series has come to be known by this name.
First Series, 1969-1971
The 'El Primero' introduction was accompanied by the launch of three watch models, all with 38 mm cases. Each features the Zenith name, “Chronograph Automatic”, and italicized “El Primero” on the dial. All used Zenith's Cal. 3019PHC.
A384 (2600 made) - Silver dial, black subdials, black tachymeter, angular tonneau case, Gay Frères bracelet
A385 (2400 made) - Dark khaki dial, silver or white subdials, black tachymeter, angular tonneau case
A386 (2500 made) - White dial, overlapping tricolor subdials, white decimal tachymeter, rounded case
Second Series, 1971-1972
Zenith expanded the range in 1971 to include ten models. Each features the Zenith name and “Chronograph Automatic” on the dial. The “Espada” model does not include “El Primero” on the dial, while all others do. It is also the only to use Zenith's Cal. 3019PHF; all others use Cal. 3019PHC.
Zenith El Primero “Defy” models with hidden-lug 38 mm water-resistant tonneau case
A781 (1000 made) - Dark red dial, overlapping silver subdials, blue central seconds hand
A782 (1500 made) - Turquoise dial, overlapping silver subdials
A783 (1500 made) - Silver dial, overlapping dark blue subdials, tachymeter ring
Zenith Espada with “Defy”-style hidden-lug 38 mm water-resistant tonneau case
Zenith El Primero “Sports” models with different hidden-lug case, snap-on back
A787 (1500 made) - Silver dial and overlapping subdials, no tachymeter
A788 (1400 made) - Blue dial, overlapping silver subdials, tachymeter/pulsometer
Zenith El Primero tonneau case
A3817 (1000 made) - White dial, overlapping tricolor subdials, tachymeter
A3818 (1000 made) - Metallic blue dial and subdials, tachymeter/pulsometer
Zenith El Primero “Pilot” or “Diver” with 44 mm diving case and mineral crystal (1972)
Zenith El Primero Tachymeter in “Defy” style case with fixed tachymeter ring (1972)
Third Series, 1973-1975
Zenith introduced a new logo in 1972 and a new model naming system. They also released many other El Primero models. Each features the Zenith name, but many skip the words, “chronograph” and “El Primero” as noted. Once again, the Espada uses Zenith's Cal. 3019PHF; all others use Cal. 3019PHC.
Zenith Espada with “Defy”-style hidden-lug 38 mm water-resistant tonneau case (continued model) dial reads “Zenith Espada Chronograph Automatic”
Zenith El Primero “Pilot” or “Diver” with 44 mm diving case and mineral crystal (continued model); dial reads “Zenith Chronograph Automatic El Primero”
Zenith El Primero 40 mm “TV” style case with integrated bracelet; dial reads “Zenith Automatic El Primero”
01.0200.415 (4950 made) - Blue dial, white-outlined blue subdials, tachymeter
01.0201.415 (50 made) - Black dial, white-outlined black subdials, tachymeter (final 1970's El Primero models)
Zenith El Primero with rounded “C”-shaped tonneau case and mineral crystal; dial reads “Zenith Automatic El Primero”
01.0210.415 (4000 made) - Steel case, silver dial and subdials
20.0210.415 (1000 made) - Gold plated case, gold dial and subdials
20.0220.416 (1000 made) - Gold plated case, gold dial and subdials, 17 jewel movement for US market
Movado “Zenith automatic” with rounded case and hidden lugs; dial reads “Movado Zenith Automatic”
See Also