In horological history, the release of the Zenith El Primero in the late 60’s stands out as one of the more defining moments. Dubbed the first ever automatic chronograph to be made in production, the El Primero to this day remains largely unchanged and truly an icon.
The thing with vintage El Primeros and all of it’s variants is just how rare they are. I still think that they are incredibly underrated based on production numbers, it’s unique design and the historical significance. For instance, this watch, the Ref. A 3817, was only made in 1,000 examples while other variants were made from about 250 pieces to 2,600.
Speaking of design, even though it is the movement that is historically iconic, the design language Zenith used for their El Primero is perhaps deserves just as much. In this A 3817, the tricolour subdials, the two tone dial with its grey outer track, the triangular minute scale and red chronograph hand all combine to create a look that is undeniably Zenith. Not to mention, while the more popular A 386 is housed in a more traditional circular case, this A 3817 has a muscular tonneau shaped case. I have to admit, in photos, I could not warm to the idea of wearing such an odd shaped watch but the minute I strapped it on my wrist, I was sold. Trust me, it sits unexpectedly attractively on the wrist.
While there is dispute as to whether it was Zenith or the consortium led by Heuer, Seiko, Buren-Hamilton, Breitling and Dubois-Depraz that created the first self-winding chronograph, there is no contest in regards to the quality of the Zenith Cal. 3019 PHC compared to the latter’s Calibre 11. most notably, the way the hi-beat movement allows the chronograph seconds hand to move around the dial so smoothly is a joy to watch. Similarly, resetting the chronograph hand, it jumps straight back to 0 without much backlash or hand quivering. You just know this is pure quality.
