Zenith’s El Primero (the first) was one of the world’s first wristwatches to feature an automatic chronograph movement. The manufacturer not only wanted to create a high frequency precision wristwatch, but also sought to advance the state-of-the-art of horology with a fully integrated, self-winding chronograph caliber. Renowned for its quality, the Zenith caliber 3019PHC is a watchmaking icon, and was the basis for Rolex’s first self-winding chronograph, the Daytona reference 16520, introduced in 1988.

With the El Primero, Zenith created a new aesthetic with a dial that featured a combination of colors with subsidiary dials in blue, light grey, and anthracite. The hour and minute hands were in white enamel with black tips, while the chronograph hand was in red enamel. This created a modern and colorful new look for sports watches, and a move away from the more subdued aesthetics of the 1940s and 50s.

The present classic El Primero A386 is preserved in outstanding, original condition – a remarkable feat considering it is over 5 decades old. It is fitted with a lovely and uniquely styled Gay Frères ladder bracelet. Complete with its original box and guarantee papers, it is a wonderful representation of the new, modern, and contemporary outlook watch manufacturers had in the late 1960s and 70s. This hard-to-find, early El Primero is sure to impress even the most discerning collector.