Zenith - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII Hong Kong Friday, November 24, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Zenith
    Year: Circa 1970s
    Reference No: G583
    Case No: 0’09E’047
    Model Name: El Primero
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3019 PHC, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Zenith hang tag.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Announced in January 1969, Zenith housed the first incorporated automatic chronograph movement named El Primero. The high-beat caliber is notoriously running at 36'000 vph, ensuring increased time-measuring accuracy and an unmatched ability to break seconds down. The first gold El Primero watches to see light were produced in small batches, making them difficult to find in today's market.

    The present El Primero ref. G583 is one of them, produced with approximately 350 pieces only, the reference was available in a variety of dial configurations. Sporty and classy at the same time, the yellow gold model wears with extreme comfort thanks to its slim profile.

    For connoisseurs that have a soft spot for vintage chronographs, this present G583 will certainly catch your attention. Absolutely beautifully preserved timepiece, the case retains its factory finishing and bevels. Its lugs are sharp with fine satin-finishes that have developed a charming patina on its yellow gold surfaces where only possible by the passage of time. The silver shine on the dial contrasts harmoniously with the gold accents of the hour markers and hands, while its luminous material have all uniformly aged into an attractive warm yellow.

    Turning over the watch, its remarkable condition is confirmed by an instant gratification of its blue layered of protective ‘zapon’ perfectly protecting its case number and hallmarks. An exquisite timepiece from the 70s which retains its Zenith hang tag, this is a great chance to acquire a wonderful specimen from the era.

  • Artist Biography

    Zenith

    Swiss • 1865

    Since Zenith's beginnings, founder George Favre-Jacot sought to manufacture precision timepieces, realizing quality control was best maintained when production was housed under one roof. Zenith remains one of the few Swiss manufacturers to produce their own in-house movements to this day.

    Today, the brand is best known for the "El Primero," the firm's most successful automatic chronograph movement. In an interesting twist of fate, the company that owned Zenith during the 1970s decided to move on to quartz movements and therefore sought to destroy the parts and tools necessary to make mechanical movements. One watchmaker realized this folly and hid the tools and parts before they were destroyed. In 1984, he returned them to Zenith so they could once again make the El Primero movement.

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Property from an Important Asian Collector

877

Ref. G583
A very well-preserved and rare yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with date

Circa 1970s
38mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$60,000 - 120,000 
€7,300-14,500
$7,700-15,400

Sold for HK$88,900

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII

Hong Kong Auction 24-25 November 2023