Manufactured in the 1970s, Zenith not only housed its newly-launched automatic El-Primero chronograph movement in this watch, but also added triple calendar and moonphases complications to make the preset Sub Sea “Espada” one of the most complex dive watches at the time. The name of the watch “Espada”, printed boldly below 12 o’clock, originates from the Spanish word “Sword”.

In production between 1969 and 1975, the El-Primero was the manufacturer’s first automatic chronograph movement. In 1975, in the midst of the quartz crisis, Zenith decided to stop producing this movement. Fortunately, Charles Vermont, a specialist who helped develop this caliber, decisively hid the equipment required to make these movements. After years of being forgotten about, in 1984 the protected tools were put back to work and the production of the El Primero resumed.

With its unmissable 1970s design, the present model exudes a unique retro aura. Produced in a limited scale, the present Espada seduces with its daring looks, complex movement and rarity.