Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Moonphase NOS

Luis6 · 2014-07-30T02:35:50Z

Luis6 shares his unexpected acquisition of a Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Moonphase NOS, leading to a 'no more watches' warning from his wife. A relatable collector's tale.

Luis6

WPS member · Zenith forum

19 replies4342 views5 photos

Luis6 shares a humorous and relatable tale of unexpected watch acquisition, detailing how a shopping trip for his wife led to him discovering a coveted Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Moonphase. His narrative captures the thrill of finding a New Old Stock (NOS) piece and the subsequent 'no more watches' warning from his wife, a common experience among collectors.

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It was just about two weeks ago that I ran into a Rolex 116610LV, which I presented in the thread "The Hulk has found me". Fellow purists might still remember my conclusion:"There is no need to go after a watch, if it is meant to be yours, it will come to you."

Yesterday I and my wife went to a watch shop in central Taipei, as my wife has been interested in getting a SEVENFRIDAY watch as a fun weekend wear. I've never been to this shop before, but it is well known for being an authorized dealer of many brands.

After trying a few, my wife found SEVENFRDAY too big for her, but agreed that it looked pretty good on my wrist, and encouraged me to get one.

While the saleswoman was handling the payment with my wife, I walked around the shop and looked at other brands. All of a sudden, a watch behind the ZENITH shelf window caught my eye. It was a NOS of the discontinued El Primero Chronomaster Moonphase, classic 40mm stainless steel case, and equipped with the new 4001 (an updated and refined version of the already wonderful 410) movment.

I could hardly believe my eyes (and luck?), and immediately asked to try it. The very moment it was on my wrist, I knew there was no way back. I must have it! The sales woman offered a reasonable (but not heavy) discount, and to my surprise, my wife agreed the deal!

ZENITH is a brand that I highly respect and admire, and I've been falling in love with this particular timepiece since I first saw a photo of it. I don't buy pre-owned watches, so finding a NOS of this discontinued model is something that I could only dreamed of.

So, the story is: I went to the shop to look for a USD$1000 SEVENFRIDAY for my wife, went away with that watch for myself, and unexpectedly got another ZENITH that cost many many times more.

On our way back home, my wife suddenly recovered her rationality and issued me a warning: "No more watches!"

Here are a few quick phone shots. The photos absolutely can not do the watch justice.

Well, this is the SEVENFRIDAY that led me to the ZENITH one.

This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2014-08-05 11:47:45

Key Points from the Discussion

The Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Moonphase is highly praised for its marvellously detailed dial and historically important movement, making it a masterpiece.
Finding a New Old Stock (NOS) of a discontinued model like the El Primero Chronomaster Moonphase is considered a rare and fortunate event for collectors.
The phrase 'No more watches!' from a spouse is a common and often temporary declaration in the collecting community, frequently met with knowing skepticism.
The Chronomaster Moonphase, especially the updated version with caliber 4001, is considered a definitive and wise purchase by many enthusiasts.
Collectors often try to involve their partners in watch appreciation to extend their 'grace period' for future purchases.
The experience of unboxing a new, highly anticipated watch at home, rather than at the shop, can add to the personal significance and wonder of the acquisition.

The Discussion

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Jul 30, 2014

This Zenith looks great indeed! Both the dial and the iconic chronograph movement (it looks great on your photos). Congrats and you are really a lucky man to have your wife supporting your purchase of the Zenith! No more watches? Hmmmm... I believe you bro, I most sincerely believe you... :) cheers robin

Alex83

Jul 30, 2014

and I have also made efforts to draw her into watches so to extend my "grace-period" :) I love this "my wife found SEVENFRDAY too big for her, but agreed that it looked pretty good on my wrist", like you were totally neutral there! haha :) good luck and congrats for those pieces! Cheers, Alex

Luis6

Jul 30, 2014

As an ancient Taiwanese proverb says："Listen to your wife, and you will prosper." ^_^

kesharoo

Jul 31, 2014

haha, enjoy your watches!

Luis6

Jul 31, 2014

For my previous watches, I always had all the plastics and wrapping cleanly taken off at the shop, and left happily with the watch on my wrist. For this Zenith, however, I did not dare to remove anything until I got home, sat down, stared at it for some time, then finally took a deep breath and unconver it. It is strangely wonderful feeling.

fernando

Aug 1, 2014

actually means: until the next one, in our vocabulary! :) Congrats fernando

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