{"product_id":"zenith-el-primero-as01150","title":"Zenith El Primero","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor many years, the words \u003ci\u003eEl Primero\u003c\/i\u003e held little meaning outside of high-intensity watch enthusiast and collectors groups.  But a few year ago, Zenith brought those words back into the fore with the release of their heritage piece, the El Primero Striking Tenth chronograph.  The piece was a success in it's own right and got \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.hodinkee.com\/articles\/a-week-on-the-wrist-the-zenith-el-primero-striking-tenth-chr\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ea lot of attention in industry publications\u003c\/a\u003e.  But it also marshaled the growing body of watch enthusiasts, urging them to look back at the history of the movement and the pieces produced around the legendary movement. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eEl Primero \u003c\/em\u003ewas\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003ehigh-beat automatic chronograph movement that debuted in 1969, challenging Seiko's Reference 6139 and Project 99's Caliber 11 for the title of world's first automatic chronograph.  The advent of the automatic chronograph was a huge technological feat and it changed the face of the industry, opening the door for many companies to offer their own models.  But while the Caliber 11 found its way into a slew of watches, Zenith made their \u003cem\u003eEl Primero\u003c\/em\u003e movements available to only \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/shop.analogshift.com\/collections\/movado\/products\/movado-datron-chronograph\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ea handful of other manufactures\u003c\/a\u003e.  And for good reason.  Of the three movements that were released that year, only the \u003cem\u003eEl Primero\u003c\/em\u003e was high-beat, offering significant added accuracy, a feature that Zenith was careful to let go of.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Zenith A386 was the first model to be fitted with the \u003cem\u003eEl Primero\u003c\/em\u003e movement and commands a hefty premium among collectors for its horological import.  Subsequent to the A386 was the A385, which dawned in the mid 1970s.  Where the A386 was hallmarked by its three different-colored sub-registers, the A385 was known for its fumé, or smoke, dial - a gorgeous light brown gradient coloration.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny of these vintage Zeniths are hard to find in unmolested condition today, but good A385s are especially difficult to locate.  This particular example is in excellent overall condition, with a strong case bearing its original brushing, a perfectly patinated dial and its original Gay Freres 'Ladder' bracelet. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you've had your ear to the ground for vintage \u003cem\u003eEl Primeros, \u003c\/em\u003elook no further.  This one is sure to go in a flash.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Zenith","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7474579393,"sku":null,"price":5600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Zenith_El_Primero_AS01150_2.jpg?v=1445293655","url":"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/zenith-el-primero-as01150","provider":"Analog:Shift","version":"1.0","type":"link"}