326 - Zenith - El Primero Automatic Chronograph

Zenith - El Primero Automatic Chronograph A legendary, impressive, and extremely rare vintage wrist chronograph with date and tachymeter scale Ref. G381 DB, Cal. 3019PHC, Case No. 644D810, Dimensions 38 mm, circa 1970, Weight 111 g, Origin Switzerland, Original box, Accessories Case: 18K gold, screw-down back, 18K gold bracelet, total length 165 mm. Dial: White with brown sub-dials and brown inner scale 0–100, white tachymeter scale. Movement: Automatic. Only 1,000 of this Zenith “Chronograph Automatic El Primero” reference G 381 were produced between 1969 and 1972. The watch was equipped with the innovative caliber 3019 PHC and is certainly one of the very first automatic chronographs in that prestigious line. The 18K gold case measures 38 mm in diameter, features a narrow bezel with a brushed finish, large chronograph pushers, an original crown with a Zenith star, and faceted lugs. The two-tone dial features a charming color scheme: the subsidiary dials and the inner 0–100 scale are brown, while the tachymeter scale is white; the luminous material on the hands has darkened slightly. The watch also features the red paddle-shaped chronograph hand, which was very popular on Zenith El Primero watches at the time. Inside is the legendary El Primero 3019 PHC high-beat caliber, which Zenith launched in 1969 as one of the first-ever automatic chronograph movements, thereby laying the foundation for the El Primero family of movements. The automatic movement beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour, allowing for measurements accurate to one-tenth of a second and making the El Primero the most accurate mass-produced watch movement in the world to this day. Case: very good. Dial: very good. Movement: very good, in working order, cleaning recommended. Please note that leather straps made from endangered or protected species—such as alligator, crocodile, or lizard—are used in our catalog or on our website for illustrative purposes only. For customs-related reasons, such straps cannot be shipped outside the EU.