Zenith Celebrates 50 Years of El Primero

Baselworld 2019 seems to be the year of anniversaries as we discover another brand who definitely has a reason to celebrate. Zenith releases their 50th Anniversary set of the El Primero. This set of three signature timepieces are back in a big, bad way and King Jewelers has the pleasure of reviewing each and every detail for you.

The Original El Primero

As the first full-rotor high-beat chronograph to be released in 1969, the Zenith El Primero is the only timepiece of its generation that is still being remodeled 50 years later. This set comes in a box with a place for four watches. Although only three of the slots are filled, it poses the idea that one day there will be 1/1000th of a second El Primero mechanical chronograph.

El Primero A386 Revival

Physically, the El Primero A386 pays respectable homage to the original 1969 version. However, the major difference between the new release and the original is the use of sapphire crystal on the front and back of the case. In addition, this model is available in 18K white gold, 18K rose gold and 18K yellow gold. Featuring the most updated version of the original caliber 3019 PHC, also known as the El Primero 400, we admire a 50-hour power reserve. A white dial houses three smaller subdials and a date window between hours four and five. To illustrate, minutes rest at three o’clock, seconds at nine o’clock, and hours at six o’clock. This timepiece depicts a seamless blend of vintage and modern characteristics to cater to those in search of the best of both worlds.
 

Chronomaster 21 El Primero 1/10th of a Second

The Chronomaster 21 El Primero utilizes caliber 3600 and takes on mild discrepancies from its Striking Tenths predecessor. The most recognizable difference would likely be the added ceramic bezel, creating easier elapsed time readability. A 1/10 of a second central hand stands out in red, contrasting the tri-colored, overlapping subdials in muted neutrals. We also admire a small date window at six o’clock, opposite of the Zenith El Primero logo at twelve. The 42mm white gold case rests on a black alligator leather strap with a pop of red in the stitching.

Defy El Primero 21 1/100th of a Second

The last watch in this iconic collection of three timepieces is the Defy El Primero 21. The style of this timepiece stands out among its siblings, showcasing an open dial. El Primero enthusiasts find this modern aesthetic a bit controversial because it strays away from the classic look of the original. However, the tri-colored subdials seen in this model remain the staple characteristic of the El Primero family. The seconds hand makes one revolution around the dial every second which is mesmerizing to watch. A 44mm dial makes this timepiece the biggest of the three masterpieces but the titanium case keeps it from weighing down the wrist. The innovation and technology portrayed in this watch certainly lead us to believe that it serves as the frontrunner of this collection.

Zenith Watches Available at King Jewelers

King Jewelers, trusted since 1912, takes pride in being your local authorized Zenith retailer. We welcome you to visit one of our showrooms, located in North Miami Beach, Florida, as well as Nashville, Tennessee. Explore the luxurious exclusivity of El Primero’s 50th Anniversary models limited to only fifty sets of three in the world. Reserve yours today at King Jewelers or feel free to visit us online for inventory updates. Alternatively, you can call and speak to one of our watch experts for any further inquiries.