Chronograph wristwatches have always been a collector’s favorite, especially if it hails from the mid-20th century. However, none have marked such an important milestone in the history of chronograph wristwatches such as the Zenith El Primero. Launched by the firm in 1969, the El Primero was one of the very first self-winding chronograph movements manufactured at the time. Revolutionary, the caliber was not like any other from the respective period, as it was designed as a wholly integrated chronograph movement rather than a self-winding caliber with an added chronograph complication.

With an impressive performance and highly precise, the caliber operates at 36,000 VPH, a very high frequency for a mechanical watch at the time. However, the story of the EL Primero goes far beyond its technical capabilities. Stored in a warehouse up the road of the manufacturer in LeLocle, Switzerland, the movements were set to be destroyed amidst the quartz crisis of the 1970s. However, Charles Vermot a staff at the manufacturer at the time had hid the equipment as well as the blueprint for the El Primero in the attic, hence saving it from being destroyed. However, the moment came soon when Rolex and Zenith struck an agreement to have the LeLocle based manufacturer to produce new calibers for the coveted Rolex Daytona. With that said, Charles Vermot’s heroic act became an important asset to one of the most beautiful and inspiring horological stories, which created arguably one of the most iconic wristwatches of the 20th century.

Extremely rare, early examples of the Zenith El Primero were referenced A384. With only 2,600 examples ever produced, the A384 is one of the most highly sought after Zenith El Primero models. The present example in stainless steel is offered in attractive overall condition as is further enticed with a beautiful tropicalization of the outer track due to ageing turning the originally black section brown. Furthermore, the present example is fitted with a rare and original Gay Frères ladder bracelet which is stamped “PAT.PEND.” on the extension link. Superbly attractive boasting an unpolished case, the present example is a must-have for collectors of vintage chronographs.