One of Zenith's most famous movements, the El Primero, has been Zenith's core movement for over 50 years, and this technological heritage has given the reissued watch a unique character.
This is the latest model in the Chronomaster Original series, following the design of the A386. It has the same dial layout as the original Caliber 3019PHF, but the counter at 6 o'clock is a 60-minute counter instead of a 12-hour counter. The moon phase is coaxially positioned. Automatic winding (Caliber El Primero 3610). 35 jewels. 36,000 vph. Power reserve of approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel case (38mm diameter). Water resistant to 5 bar. Priced at 1,914,000 yen (tax included).
Photographs by Masanori Yoshie
Text by Chieko Tsuruoka (this magazine)
Text by Chieko Tsuruoka (Chronos-Japan)
Edited by Yuto Hosoda (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2024 issue of Kronos Japan]
Zenith "Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar"
The El Primero (Cal. 3019PHC) movement was created by Zenith in 1969. The Chronomaster Original, which recreates the design of the early model A386 equipped with this El Primero movement using modern technology, offers an advantage that other companies cannot imitate. While many companies are recreating the designs of past products, Zenith's re-creation goes beyond simply recreating the exterior.
This latest "Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar" model features a Chronomaster Original with small windows displaying the date, day of the week, and month, as well as a moon phase. Since its inception in 1969, El Primero has been designed to incorporate a triple calendar and moon phase, and the Caliber 3019PHC, which was actually produced, is the archive for this model.
The El Primero is known as one of the earliest automatic chronographs. In the 1960s, many manufacturers competed to develop the automatic chronograph, but it was not easy to achieve this feat. Zenith succeeded in developing it by using a horizontal clutch with a carrying arm, which made it difficult to secure space for the automatic winding mechanism, and a small reverser.
This model is equipped with the El Primero 3610, based on the successor model that debuted on the 50th anniversary of the original. It is a cutting-edge movement with a chronograph second hand that rotates once every 10 seconds, allowing for precise measurement to 1/10 of a second. However, by continuing to use the classic El Primero design, Zenith's reissue watches are unique in that they are direct descendants of the original, not only in design but also in their movements.
The legend of the El Primero by Zenith continues to live on, respecting its technological heritage but not letting it end as just a legacy.
