Collection
Phuongpham39 shares his acquisition of the Zenith El Primero Original 1969, a 38mm chronograph, despite its categorization under the 'Ladies' section. His post celebrates the watch's tri-color sub-dials and ideal size, offering a personal perspective on collecting watches that defy conventional gender classifications.
The Zenith El Primero Original 1969 is a re-edition that pays homage to the initial El Primero chronograph from 1969, known for its high-frequency movement. This model is characterized by its 38mm case size and distinctive tri-color sub-dials, which are faithful to the historical design. It occupies a significant place in Zenith's collection as a direct link to its heritage, offering a vintage aesthetic with modern manufacturing.
This watch houses the automatic El Primero Caliber 400, an integrated column-wheel chronograph movement beating at 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz), providing a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. The case is typically stainless steel, and the dial features three sub-dials for 30-minute, 12-hour chronograph functions, and small seconds, often in contrasting colors. The crystal is sapphire, and the caseback is usually transparent, showcasing the movement.
For collectors, the El Primero Original 1969 is highly sought after due to its historical accuracy, compact 38mm size which appeals to a broad range of wrist sizes, and the technical prowess of the El Primero movement. Its design, particularly the tri-color sub-dials, is a recognizable signature of the original 1969 model, making it a desirable piece for those appreciating chronograph history and classic proportions.
This is indeed a gorgeous watch. I know quite a private Zenith collector who has around 50 Zeniths, mostly vintage, but this is the one he wears on a daily basis. Congratulations. And although it is classified under the lady's collection, most of the people buying this one are men. Dean
it looks perfect on your wrist and I really like the way you took the pictures. Thanks a lot for sharing with us and I hope it makes you smile for a long time! Oliver
well be my next Zenith. Perfect styling, case and dial very appropriate for the famous movement. Thanks for this excellent post, Magnus
I have heard so much criticism from people over the overlapping sub-dials on this watch. But the size of the sub-dials and the main dial is in perfect proportion. And to be honest, you don't have to be a genius to be able to read the minutes on the overlapping section. Overlapping subdials look much better on this than the separate and small subdials on the new 410. For me, this, and the larger Striking 10th brother, with the three tone sub-dials, is the perfect Zenith, and the absolute best wat
. . . ever since it was introduced a few years ago. There's nothing at all feminine about it. Compactness should be . . . . . . a gender-neutral trait. Art
...am a ... cross-dresser!?? I love my 38 ZEP. Love it. Zenith makes some of the best dials out there, and they back it with a phenom in-house chrono that it breath-taking. If that (and the combination of my 5' 8" height and athletic lifestyle) makes me a woman.... Sobeit!
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