Today's offering showcases showcases this original Zenith Movado El Primero, one of the finest automatic chronograph wristwatches ever produced.

Its movement in many ways set the standard against which high-end, professional chronographs were judged for decades. Filled with revolutionary new technology, it left a legacy that is still influencing the modern idea of the luxury chronograph today.

It is very rare - we have heard it suggested that some Zenith collectors believe that perhaps as few as 500 or fewer examples were produced, although as far as we know that is speculative.

It is one of the original 16 El Primero models and was included in the Zenith catalog from the early 70's. Made by both Zenith and Movado, it was made at a time when Movado and Zenith shared the same ownership and is branded both Zenith and Movado depending on the part.

Requiring a full seven years of research and development, this extremely innovative wristwatch developed by Zenith, the company that holds the record for most first place finishes in precision timing competitions, is a masterpiece of creative genius and refinement. So superior is this fine mechanism that it not only powered the Zenith El Primero, it also directed renowned watches like the Panerai Luminor and the Rolex Daytona (which utilized it into the twenty-first century!)

Here are a few of its features:

After almost forty years, the El Primero remains unbeaten in its ability to measure short time intervals to one-tenth of a second

High frequency 36,000 beats per hour balance system, twice the speed of many traditional chronographs and faster than any other chronograph in existence, insures exceptional accuracy

Full 50 hour power reserve

31 jewel version

Very efficient automatic movement with 360 degree, ball-bearing supported rotor to keep the watch wound on the wrist

Large rugged and waterproof style case with screw back

Quick-set date mechanism for more convenient date setting

Complementary monochrome gray dial with 1/5 second markings.

It is all-original and presents in excellent condition with fairly light signs of previous polishing. It case presents in excellent condition. The back has light remnants of wear from the bracelet contacting it and signs of previous polishing - the rest of the case presents as mint with strong lines. On the wrist the case presents as mint.

Its bracelet is in excellent condition with light remnants of wear and slight stretch. Its untouched, original shows only fairly light aging.

Our Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn internal components with genuine Zenith replacements, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $1695 value). These watches are very challenging and complicated to service. Most watchmakers do not work on them. We have serviced a number of them and are happy to take care of the watch for you for its lifetime.

All of the functions are working perfectly - the chronograph resets strongly and the sweep hand resets to an exact zero. It is running extremely strong and true, keeeping time essentially on par with a new Zenith in our testing recording position.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

Manufacturer: Movado / Zenith
Country of origin: Switzerland
Year built: c. early 1970's
Model: El Primero, Ref. 01.180.434
Functions: Chronograph (12-hour timing), Automatic, Quick-Set Date, Subsidiary Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Stainless steel
Case markings (inside): Zenith Swiss
Case markings (outside): Surf, Stainless, 01-0180-434 only barely visible
Case condition: Presents in excellent condition. The back has light remnants of wear from the bracelet contacting it and signs of previous polishing - the rest of the case presents as mint with strong lines. On the wrist it presents as mint.
Dial: Signed Zenith Movado El Primero Automatic Chronograph, silver with applied luminous faceted luminous steel indexes, silver subsidiary dials for the 12-hour, 30-minute register and constant seconds, 1/5th second increments, date aperture at 4, original, mint condition
Dimensions: 38mm wide (excluding crown), 42mm long lug tip-to-tip, 12mm thick with crystal
Hands: Original, luminous steel "batons"
Movement type: Cal. 3019PHC, rhodium-plated, 31 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating fl at balance spring, micrometer regulator
Movement markings: Movado Factories, 17 Jewels, Swiss Made, 3019 PHC
Jewels: 17 rubies
Band: Original, signed Zenith, sized to fit a wrist up to approx. just under 7.75 inches on the larger setting, adjustable, excellent condition with light remnants of wear and slight stretch.
Crystal type: Sapphire, original, excellent condition
Serviced: Our Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn internal components with genuine Zenith replacements, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $1695 value). These watches are very challenging and complicated to service. Most watchmakers do not work on them. We have serviced a number of them and are happy to take care of the watch for you for its lifetime.
Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. All of the functions are working perfectly - the chronograph resets strongly and the sweep hand resets to an exact zero. It is running extremely strong and true, keeeping time essentially on par with a new Zenith in our testing recording position.
Warranty: 1-year C.O.T. international warranty.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide

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