Zenith ElPrimero, is this a good deal?

[IAMsterdam]

Hi all,

I own a Omega Seamaster GMT and I'm looking for a nice new watch with a complete different style. More classic and elegant. A dealer around the corner now has a used Zenith ElPrimero Automatic for sale. It's a 2000 model and he's asking EUR 1750,00 for it.

These pics are the actual watch:
http://www.wwwatches.nl/images/stories/Zenith/p1030855%20%28small%29.jpg (http://www.wwwatches.nl/images/stories/Zenith/p1030855%20%28small%29.jpg)
http://www.wwwatches.nl/images/stories/Zenith/p1030856%20%28small%29.jpg (http://www.wwwatches.nl/images/stories/Zenith/p1030856%20%28small%29.jpg)
http://www.wwwatches.nl/images/stories/Zenith/p1030857%20%28small%29.jpg (http://www.wwwatches.nl/images/stories/Zenith/p1030857%20%28small%29.jpg)
I'm falling for it at the moment, but need some reassurance that it's a good deal. Is it :-S. I can't find another one to compare it with and I'm not sure what the listed price used to be.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

[Hartmut Richter]

Looks like the Class Model - the one that now goes under the name Class Sport (there is also the Grande Class which I personally don't really like very much). A very nice watch. As for whether 1750 Euros is a good deal or not, a little difficult to say but sounds OK, especially since the recent price rises are hiking up the value of second hand Zeniths as well. If it comes with a recent service and some warranty (even if only one year), it certainly sounds like a good deal. If without either of these, it doesn't look quite so good - especially if a service will be required soon (expect a minimum of 200 Euros to appear on the bill and probably more if an authorized dealer is to get it done).

If you want further reassurance, compare it to the currently produced Class Sport and see what that will cost you. Forget about what the watch went for in 2000 - if I made that comparison with my Zenith Chronomaster, I would have overpaid by a mile!!

Hartmut Richter

[IAMsterdam]

Thanks, I will look into the new ones as well. I checked the Zenith site and the Class Sport truly looks similar. Service and warranty is a good point, I'll talk to the vendor and see what's going on there.

[bonesetter]

Hi, sorry for the late reply, I just saw your query.

You may be interested to look at "Collectors Time" website. I bought an El Primero chronograph from Zeetan about two weeks ago, for $2230 US. It looks very similar to the one you pictured, though has arabic numerals.

I was reluctant to send that much money away, on blind faith, so had a mate who was visiting KL pick it up for me. He was quite happy with the genuine nature of the business, and I have a great watch.

I hope this helps you,

regards,

bonesetter

[IAMsterdam]

Thanks, I will look into that. I decided to wait a little while before deciding, so the ElPrimero is gone. But I noticed already there's plenty of similar around.