Vintage Zenith

[SimonR]

I've seen a picture of a 1977 El Primero in a book called 'Millers Wristwatches' and I want one!!! It's got a white dial with a black tachy scale and black subdials. I've checked numerous watch websites, but can't seem to track one down. I was wondering if anyone knew of any Zenith specific websites, so I can find out which model it is?

Thanks

Simon.

[Hartmut Richter]

Hmmmm, this is not going to be that easy without a picture! The only such watch I know was from the nineties: the de Luca, which did have some versions with white dial and black subdials. I am not sure whether the Rainbow also came like that but I think that the rainbow always had matching dial/subdials. There is the blue, squarish El Primero from the late seventies with blue dial and white rings around the subdial (very few black pieces also made) but other than that, I have to say, dunno!

The de Luca looks vaguely like a "Paul Newman Daytona" from that mass producer in Geneva.

Hartmut Richter

[Hartmut Richter]

Try this one for size - black tachymetric scale on bezel (from the old Zenith forum Image gallery).

http://anyboard.net/rec/WUS/posts/313.html

Hartmut Richter

[Hartmut Richter]

Or did you mean this one - standard early El Primero (but the tachymetric scale isn't black, the small seconds markings are)?

http://anyboard.net/rec/WUS/posts/80.html

Hartmut Richter

[SimonR]

Hi Hartmut,

The shape of the El Primero I've seen is like the one that gazza has posted in the middle of his selection. I would love to scan the picture from the book, but I'd be breaking copyright law if I did. It's a real shame, as the watch is a shining example of a typical 70's chrono. I'll see what I can muster and be in touch.

Thanks

Simon.

[D N Ravenna]

Hi Hartmut,

The shape of the El Primero I've seen is like the one that gazza has posted in the middle of his selection. I would love to scan the picture from the book, but I'd be breaking copyright law if I did. It's a real shame, as the watch is a shining example of a typical 70's chrono. I'll see what I can muster and be in touch.

Thanks

Simon.

Who is going to report you?

:-)

Dan

[Hartmut Richter]

Sounds like it's one of the earliest El Primeros - the one that, with Cal. 3019 PHF (with moonphase and full calender) was called the "Espada". Its Movado counterpart was called the "Astronic". Try a combination of the case of No. 1 with the dial of No. 2 in the attached picture. (from a 1971 catalogue, as far as I can remember).

Hartmut Richter

[SimonR]

Hi Hartmut,

WOW thanks for the scan! Picture number 1 is exactly the right model except the one I've been looking for has a white face and black subdials. Everything else is precisely as in picture 1 of your catalogue.

Do you know what the model number would be, or do they just come under the banner of El Primero? Have you ever seen these even for sale nowadays Hartmut?

Thanks again

Simon.

[Hartmut Richter]

No, I don't think that one has a name - the reference is A385, I believe for that particular model and probably A386 for the light dial with dark subdials. The moonphase/full calender version is the "Espada". However, you rarely see the reference number quoted anyway when these are flogged on eBay - you'd be more likely to see "Vintage El Primero" or such advertised. Good luck in your search!

Hartmut Richter

[SimonR]

Thanks for your advice Hartmut. It seems likely to be a long search, but I'll keep the board informed.


Regards

Simon.