Deployant
Only Watch 2015: Zenith El Primero “Lightweight” Tribute to the Rolling Stones
The Zenith El Primero "Lightweight" Tribute to the Rolling Stones, for the 2015 edition of the Only Watch Auction.
Results for El Primero 3600
730 articles · 445 videos found · page 3 of 40
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Revolution
Baselworld 2015: Zenith El Primero Sport
Zenith launches a new range of eye-catching models known as the El Primero Sport. They feature 45mm steel cases housing the famous El Primero 400 B high-speed automatic chronograph caliber. Let’s take a look. The case offers front and back sapphire crystals and 200-meter water resistance. The transparent caseback provides a view of the El […]
Revolution
Baselworld 2014: Hands On With The Zenith El Primero Lightweight (Live Pics)
Surprise was what the Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Striking 10th chronograph elicited when it was first shown at BaselWorld in 2010. The mesmerizing effect of the large red hand moving faster than expected was, without doubt, what most watch lovers would define as their “Striking 10th moment”, when previous expectations on how a chronograph […]
Quill & Pad
The Tennis Tale Of A Signature Zenith Defy El Primero 21: Little Details Make Big Differences For Coach Patrick Mouratoglou
One charismatic coach and one cool chronograph: tennis’ premier mentor now wears a fast-paced Zenith El Primero Defy 21. Here’s the story behind Zenith’s new Defy 21 Patrick Mouratoglou Edition told by tennis journalist Miguel Seabra.
Revolution
Zenith El Primero’s Golden Moment
Aurel Bacs and Alex Ghotbi from Phillips help design limited-edition Zenith El Primeros for charity.
Video
Zenith's cutting-edge chronograph – the Defy El Primero 21
Deployant
Geneva Watch Week: Zenith El Primero Black and White
SIHH 2017:Not technically part of SIHH 2017, but Zenith joins in the fun with two new El Primeros: a Black on White and White on Black.
Deployant
Review: new Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Ultrablue
Priced at US$13500, the DEFY 21 Ultrablue is only available through boutiques or through Zenith’s online store and appears to be sold out currently.
Revolution
Revolution Awards 2017: Technical Achievement - Zenith Defy El Primero 21
Once again, the global editors of Revolution weigh in on the best timepieces of the year, as well as the personalities that shaped the watch industry.
SJX Watches
Auction News: The Original Rolex Daytona “Rainbow” Ref. 16599 Emerges at Phillips
A watch known to insiders but largely unknown, the original Rolex Daytona “Rainbow” came long before the modern-day version that arrived at Baselworld 2012. It was a ref. 16599 equipped with the cal. 4030 based on the Zenith El Primero that was produced sometime in the 1990s. Now the one-off “Zenith Rainbow” is going under the hammer at Phillips come November when the auction house stages Reloaded, a thematic sale dedicated to watches made between 1980 and 1999. Having been owned by a well-known collector for several years – the same gentleman sold another record-setting Rolex at Phillips several years ago – this ref. 16599 has a bezel set with sapphires in a rainbow graduated due, along with a diamond pave dial with blue sapphire hour markers. I happened to meet the prior owner of this watch and he related the story of how he came to possess the watch. Knowing that backstory, the lavish stone setting and almost-bespoke nature of the watch certainly makes sense. Today’s Rainbow in Everose, the descendent of the ref. 16599 Estimated at over CHF3 million, the Daytona “Rainbow” will be sold on November 8, 2024 in Geneva at the Hotel President during Reloaded: The Rebirth of Mechanical Watchmaking, 1980-1999. The auction catalogue will be available closer to the date of sale.
Fratello
The Almighty Amida Digitrend Is Back
The ’70s were an extraordinary era in the watch industry. That decade gave us some of the most fantastic designs and timepieces that are still sought after among vintage collectors. Just think of watches like the Omega Flightmaster, the Zenith El Primero TV (ref. 01-200-415), or the topic of this article, the Amida Digitrend. While […] Visit The Almighty Amida Digitrend Is Back to read the full article.
Video
The Most Underrated Iconic Watch Or An Epic Fail? - Zenith El Primero Timeless Chronomaster Review
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Review: Zenith’s new 2022 El Primero Chronomaster Open
Zenith boutiques and authorized retailers around the world, the Chronomaster Open is available in steel with a white or black dial, with either a steel bracelet or cordura-effect rubber strap
Hodinkee
In-Depth: The Zenith Chronomaster Sport, With The El Primero Caliber 3600
The new Chronomaster Sport Chronograph brings a slew of technical updates to the El Primero caliber.
Time+Tide
Unholy Grail: Why the comically dated TAG Heuer S/el is a true guilty pleasure
No matter how tasteful your watch collection, no matter how stuffed your portfolio is with blue chip stocks like no-date Subs, pre-Moon Speedys, or the perfect Cartier Tank, there’s probably a black sheep lurking somewhere. Your questionable choices. Your dark secrets. The one that’s horribly out of fashion, objectively unattractive, or just plain bizarre. Be … ContinuedThe post Unholy Grail: Why the comically dated TAG Heuer S/el is a true guilty pleasure appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
Introducing: Zenith Updates The Chronomaster Open With El Primero Caliber 3600
Zenith's mid-2000s flagship chronograph receives new tenth-of-a-second duds.
SJX Watches
Zenith Introduces the Next-Generation El Primero A386
Though Zenith celebrated the 50th anniversary of its iconic chronograph movement in 2019, it took a while longer for the long-awaited successor to the original El Primero. Looking like yet another remake on the surface – the design is almost a dead ringer for the A386 of 1969 – the retro styling of the new Chronomaster Original belies the latest-generation El Primero, the all-new cal. 3600 that boasts a lightning seconds hand. Initial thoughts The Chronomaster Original essentially repackages the vintage A386, preserving the distinctive design while installing a modern movement. As a result, the watch is familiar and appealing in broad strokes, but has a few surprises in its details. Take the dials for instance, which are offered in two guises. One is the traditional “tri-colour” from 1969, while the other is an unusual and gorgeous “panda” dial that stands out from its counterparts. Ironically, the black-and-silver dial looks more retro, in part due to the faux-vintage lume, despite not having the original colour palette. The case is a compact 38 mm, identical to the vintage original. It’s heartening – but surprising – to see the return of the 38 mm case, which was ostensibly retired not too long ago. The move back to the 38 mm case makes sense, since it accommodates enthusiasts who prefer a size true to the vintage original, as well as catering to prevailing fad for classical, elegant style. Despite the case being the same diameter as it was in 1969, t...
Video
Zenith Defy El Primero Double Tourbillon (Baselworld 2019)
Fratello
Introducing: The El Primero-Equipped Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Timer
The platinum Tiffany Timer commemorates 160 years of chronographic heritage. This 40mm platinum chronograph, featuring a dial color that has a special effect on many people, is available in a limited run of 60 pieces. The watch is an exclusive homage to one of America’s first stopwatches made by the famous jeweler. The new chronograph […] Visit Introducing: The El Primero-Equipped Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Timer to read the full article.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
TAG Heuer Carrera ‘Glassbox’ vs Zenith El Primero A384: Which Heritage Revival Got It Right?
Discover how the TAG Heuer Carrera ‘Glassbox’ stacks up against the Zenith El Primero A384 in design, movement, and authenticity to find out which revival wins.
Teddy Baldassarre
Zenith Chronomaster Sport Review: The Modern El Primero
The Zenith Chronomaster Sport debuted back in 2021 and has evolved into one of the brand’s most compelling contemporary chronographs (and that’s saying a lot for Zenith). There was a lot of initial chatter about some similarities to the Rolex Daytona because the collection debuted with a panda and reverse panda dial model with ceramic bezel and, while the comparisons are certainly valid, it does warrant a reminder that the Daytona indeed used to be El Primero-powered. Earlier in 2025, Zenith went all out on the blue theme at this year’s Watches & Wonders in celebration of its 160th anniversary. The star of the show may have been the return of the Caliber 135 in the G.F.J. (see more on that one right here), but the supporting releases didn’t hold back either, boasting bright blue ceramic cases and bracelets. Together, this trio of watches comprise the Zenith 160th anniversary collection, touching on each of the cornerstones of the brand’s modern architecture. The watch I am going to focus on here is the Zenith Chronomaster Sport rendered nearly in its entirety in blue ceramic, showcasing a very different side of the brand’s most popular modern chronograph. Zenith Chronomaster Sport Context The Chronomaster collection has been around since 1994, building on the rather illustrious history of precision timing (outlined in more detail right here) that Zenith is known for. In 2021, Zenith found its modern stride with the release of the Chronomaster Sport with a blac...
Fratello
Fratello’s Top 5 Classic El Primero-Powered Watches - Featuring Zenith, Ebel, Rolex, And More
Another Friday, another list! This week, we enter the wonderful world of the El Primero movement. As most of you know, Zenith introduced its famous El Primero trio of watches in 1969. The brand was part of the illustrious race to release the first automatic chronograph, competing with Seiko and the consortium of brands formed […] Visit Fratello’s Top 5 Classic El Primero-Powered Watches - Featuring Zenith, Ebel, Rolex, And More to read the full article.
Hodinkee
Introducing: The Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar That Pays Tribute To An El Primero Prototype (Live Pics)
An all-new complete calendar caliber pays tribute to a rare El Primero prototype from 55 years ago.
Video
A watch with a 50 year warranty?? Unboxing the Zenith El Primero A386 Revival box set
SJX Watches
Zenith Revives the El Primero Triple Calendar
Zenith revisits one of its signature historical models with the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar. It is the Chronomaster Original we know and love, but with a twist: the addition of the day, month, and moon phase while maintaining the same dimensions as the chronograph-only model. Powered by the latest-generation El Primero 3610 with “lightning” seconds, the Triple Calendar makes its debut in three colourways, white, grey and a boutique-exclusive green. Initial thoughts Although popular among enthusiasts, the Chronomaster Original is arguably undiscovered territory for many because it has been overshadowed by Chronomaster Sport, a watch famous for resembling the Rolex Daytona. However, the Chronomaster Original offers better aesthetics and proportions compared to its slightly derivative Sports sibling. The compact 38 mm case sits comfortably on most wrists, while having enough presence to feel like a larger sports watch. Compared to the standard Chronometer Original, the Triple Calendar adds a few complications into the mix and evokes the well known vintage original. Importantly, it is not only a vintage remake since it utilises the latest-generation El Primero movement with a “lighting” central seconds. The Triple Calendar is, however, pricey. It costs US$13,400 on a calfskin strap and a bit more on a stainless steel bracelet. That’s about 30% more than the base model Chronomaster Original, which feels like a lot for simple-calendar functions. That said, th...
Hodinkee
Hands-On: The Zenith Chronomaster Original Adds An 'Evil' El Primero With A New Black Dial
A black tri-color dial is the El Primero we never knew we always wanted.
SJX Watches
Dubai Watch Club’s Latest, the Zenith El Primero A384
The first enthusiasts’ club in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai Watch Club (DWC) has regularly created limited edition for its members. The latest is the Zenith Chronomaster Revival Dubai Watch Club, a striking new take on the old-school El Primero A384. Initial thoughts Zenith has done many variants of the A384 remake, but the DWC edition is different, being both conspicuous and subtle. The yellow is hard to miss, particularly with the contrast-colour case and registers, but the Eastern Arabic numerals elements are subtle and practically invisible at a distance. It only reveals the distinctively local details up close, which gives it the appeal of an insider’s watch. More generally, the A384 remake that’s the base of the DWC edition is an appealing watch in itself because it retains practically all of the aesthetics of the original, including the compact case, but executes it in a thoroughly modern way in the form of a titanium case coated in diamond-like carbon (DLC). Local details Founded by Emirati collectors including Adel Al-Rahmani and Nawaf Al-Abdooli, DWC started with 10 members in 2014, a tally that has multiple tenfold since then. Amongst the club’s past editions was the Cartier Santos-Dumont XL in 2021. The DWC El Primero is based on the A384 remake in titanium, with the dial being unique to the DWC edition. The dial is a bright yellow while the sub-dials and tachymeter scale in dark grey to match the case. Only up close do Middle East-inspired eleme...
Time+Tide
The sequel is here – Zenith x Time+Tide Defy Skyline Skeleton Night Surfer El Primero
Two years after the original, the sequel drops, with a fresh El Primero-derived movement.The post The sequel is here – Zenith x Time+Tide Defy Skyline Skeleton Night Surfer El Primero appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Worn & Wound
eBay Finds: A Historic El Primero, a Vintage Cyma Chronograph in Great Condition, and a Beautiful and Unusual Ladies Seiko
eBay Finds is back! This bi-monthly installment will feature a selection of watches currently listed on eBay that have caught the eye of editor Christoph McNeil (@vintagediver). If you come across any hidden gems on the ‘Bay drop us a note at info@wornandwound.com for potential inclusion! Vintage Movado Zentih El Primero Going to start this week off strong with a super cool, big ol’ vintage Movado El Primero chronograph. This bad boy has it all, big chunky 44mm steel case, El Primero automatic movement, and beautiful acrylic 12 hour bezel insert. The black dial with three subdials is superb, with nice lume filled white hands, and a blue chrono seconds hand. The case looks unpolished and has a great blocky style. The El Primero is a classic chronograph movement with a long history, and was the first high frequency automatic chrono. Seller states this gem was recently serviced and runs perfectly, so you should be good to go. You don’t see these for sale in auction format often! View auction here Vintage Seiko Turtle 6309-7040 Following up one classic with another! The vintage May 1977 Seiko 6309-7040 diver is the real deal. The Seiko 6309 is still one of the most under-rated vintage divers, despite its amazing quality and history. This example looks to be all original and in really nice shape. The large steel case still exhibits the original brushed finish, but does have some marks. The original bezel insert is also excellent, with only some small nicks here and ther...
Video