Any experience with Zenith El Primero 1969 Chrono?

[HobokenRolex]

I looked at this today. It's much nicer in person than in pictures. Dial and size are great.

[Vaxe]

I've had this reference for a bit more than a year now, it is great and comes highly recommended.

Timekeeping is within COSC and the finishing is spectacular for a watch under $10K. Polished/brushed sawed off lugs with nice beveling and blued screws on the El Primero. The sunburst tri-color dial is dazzling in all positions.

I think this 38 mm is much more balanced with perfectly positioned registers, and no "gap" unlike the 42 mm model.

Definitely get it!

[srvrf]

In case you haven't run across this yet

http://www.hodinkee.com/articles/com...ng-old-vs-some

[FTE2014]

I have the 42mm, the one with the blue dial. I think it is called the Charles Vermot limited edition. I am generally crazy about blue dials, and this is why I bought this watch. This was my third purchase when I first got into watches last year. I like the movement, but relative to my other watches the case size is really large, and as the lugs are extended rather than a 42mm, it feels like a 43 - 44mm. So the watch did not see much wrist time, and will probably sell it once I get a chance. If I were looking at Zenith again, I would also opt for the 38mm version.

https://instagram.com/p/7Domc8RLChHs...0jy4hMwMn8tU0/

[Speed]

Originally Posted by maiko

Speed - Did you get the watch? Did you choose a strap?

Hey hey. Apologies.

I *did* pick up the watch - used. A kind TRFer noticed one for sale and gave me the heads up. All worked out well. Loving the size, etc.

I ended up ordering the exact same OEM Zenith strap - but in black. Definitely overpaid for that but such is life. The spring bars are curved as is the OEM strap....so a perfect fit.

[maiko]

Originally Posted by Speed

Hey hey. Apologies.

I *did* pick up the watch - used. A kind TRFer noticed one for sale and gave me the heads up. All worked out well. Loving the size, etc.

I ended up ordering the exact same OEM Zenith strap - but in black. Definitely overpaid for that but such is life. The spring bars are curved as is the OEM strap....so a perfect fit.

Congrats. Can you please post a pic with the factory black gator? I picked one up and am thinking of what to replace the strap with. Current thinking is antiqued dark brown gator.

[DVR]

Originally Posted by Speed

I *did* pick up the watch - used.

Congrats Speed , Post pictures !

Here is my EP 410 (42mm) on my 6.5 wrist. Love it ! A striking watch superbly finished.

[Speed]

Sorry. I don't post too many photos these days.

Here is the 1969 38mm with OEM black Croc

That Grey dial of yours looks sharp!!

BTW, Di Modell has some nice quality straps. I picked up a perforated Rallye strap with double tang buckle from watchbandcenter.com (in Germany) for my Speedy Pro. Considering one at 19mm for my Zenith. Wondering if I need to get new spring bars since the spring bars for the OEM strap are curved...

[DVR]

Very nice !

Spring bars should work, I have curved spring bars on some watches and was able to reuse them on normal straps.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by DVR

Very nice !

Spring bars should work, I have curved spring bars on some watches and was able to reuse them on normal straps.

Good to know.

Paid so darn much for the black OEM croc I want to get my money's worth...but the Di Modell Rallye is Nice!

[Meme-Dweller]

Originally Posted by Vaxe

Sorry to bump an old thread but I saw this post and I really want to know what strap that is on the El Primero in that picture. I tried PMing you but your inbox is full :(

[jlc123]

I've handled the 1969 38mm a few times, and it's a really lovely watch. The finish is very good, probably on a similar level to Omega/Rolex but definitely worse than JLC.

[SubmarinerR]

How do you guys compare el primero 38mm ss bracelet and overall watch build quality/finish in comparison with new rolexes or at least tudor/omega/grand seiko? It looks interesting for 4.5-5k for new, does it wears much bigger than daytona because there is no bezel on the case, it's all dial.

Thanks in advance.

[jhross98]

Honestly don't know why anyone would buy one of these when you can buy a clean a384 for similar price... I. E. The actual watch that started it all!

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[SubmarinerR]

I really like, it seems like a great value for money, especially if chrono24 prices are real and there is tax return for non EU residents. I don't know only about bracelet, it seems a bit to shiny on pics/videos, have to see that in person.

[krh7]

Originally Posted by jhross98

Honestly don't know why anyone would buy one of these when you can buy a clean a384 for similar price... I. E. The actual watch that started it all!

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where do you see vintage a384s for similar price? seems they are all 8-10K min.

[Doood]

Not sure if this will help but I tried the Striking 10th on a bracelet. I was a little disappointed. The bracelet was not as robust as the bracelet on my BLNR or my speedmaster. I like PCL's on some watches and was excited to see this watch in person. It left me thinking that if I ever purchase one I will leave it on leather.

[Hollister]

Originally Posted by jhross98

Honestly don't know why anyone would buy one of these when you can buy a clean a384 for similar price... I. E. The actual watch that started it all!

Where?