Zenith El Primero

[RIWatcher]

Last Mystery for the day, 5 watches down about 40-60 to go. I appreciate all the help. The particular collection is massive. Id like to add I am looking for online resources I may use so I dont wear out the good will you have all provided to me. Rhode Island is not a very watch oriented state so personal specialists are few and far between.

So here is a Zenith El Primero. Not sure on the history of Zeniths as I thought they only made TVs (No Joke).



One Number on the back listed is as:
02.0500.400
Inside the movement I see a '400'

[grew]

I want that watch!

[RIWatcher]

Anyone have any details about this particular brand and model?

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by RIWatcher

Anyone have any details about this particular brand and model?

So how did you inherit this collection? Give us some more background.

[RIWatcher]

One of my Fathers friends was in the Jewelery Industry and ran a mom and pop store for the longest time. Over the years he took in a lot of watches in trade. Mostly people would bring a Rolex to trade for some Jewelery or a custom design piece made by his jewelry staff. He would wear a few on and off but most kept stock piling them. He would display a few as well but nothing really came of it. He was considered a close family friend and things just really went off from there.

So here I am given the task to record and document all of it for processing to the estate. Rumor has it some of it will be sold and other pieces will remain with the family. Nothing moves forward until everything is figured out. I hope to retain some of these first pieces I have posted for my personal collection.

There are Tussots, IWC, Breitlings, Rolex, I think a Tutor, Some ancient Bulova Acutrons, Panerai, That one Royal Oak piece, and a handful of Omegas..

I have my work cut out for me personally, I hope you dont mind me asking a lot more questions in the weeks to come. I also realize there are strong rules about selling in this community, I dont want to violate any rules or piss anyone off. I am just here to learn all I can, and so far I am enjoying the warm welcome. If I do break any rules please let me know, Ill do my best to follow the guidelines.

Thats the short version of it.


I think I might have seen paperwork mentioning a 1960 Rolex but currently unable to locate it.

[Alcan]

Its a strong watch. Here's a good review:

http://www.timezone.com/library/itsa...78040263945784

[cyglee]

The Zenith El Primero 400 movement is highly regarded. Some Rolex Daytonas used a modified 400, as a caliber 4030. The newer Daytonas use an in house Rolex 4130. Zenith is now owned by the luxury products group LVMH, who also own Tag, and a bunch of other product labels. Just my two cents of knowledge for tonight.

[vukotab]

Remarkable watch with legendary movement!

[Jede]

I've been considering Daytona as my next purchase, but opinions have changed recently. I fell in love with the El Primero Foudroyante Striking 10th concept and now that it's available I'm almost obliged to buy.

http://www.watchsource.eu/zenith/el-...pecs-pictures/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wewnfjVH6Q

The most interesting chrono at least for me.

[thesmallwave]

Nice watch...

[Welshwatchman]

Originally Posted by RIWatcher

Anyone have any details about this particular brand and model?

You're just about there with your own information.

It's a Zenith Class Chrono Automatic - Ref 02.0500.400

Probably mid 1990s - Value approx $1200 as is or $1500-1700 once serviced.

The chrono at 6 doesn't reset correctly and the bracelet / bezel looks slightly "tired".

A service would cost $400-600 and the watch will look all the better for it.