In 1969 Zenith first debuted their ‘El Primero’ line as the firm’s first chronograph featuring an automatic movement. Unfortunately, in 1975 Zenith Radio decided to not only stop production, but also destroy the machinery necessary to manufacture the model. This decision was a direct result of the Quartz movement, which led watch manufacturers at the time to believe that mechanical watches were becoming obsolete. But in fact, they were wrong.

Charles Vermont, a specialist who developed this caliber, hid the equipment required to make these watches and recorded the instructions to construct the design in a personal notebook. After years of being forgotten about, in 1984 the saved tools were put back to work and the production of the ‘El Primero’ resumed. This superb pre-1975 example of reference A3818 features an automatic caliber 3019 movement, which will surely impress any connoisseur.

The distinctive blue colored dial interestingly features both a tachometer and pulsometer scale on the outer edge of the dial. This rare classic retains its original characteristics in overall excellent condition, and is a tool that can be useful not only to racing fanatics, but also to doctors alike. The watch’s versatility and comfortable wearability will elevate any outfit for a day at the racetrack, or a day at the office.