[Serialization No. 9 / First published in the July 2012 issue of Chronos Japan]
At the end of the 1960s, many manufacturers were competing to achieve the feat of making automatic chronographs. Then, in the fateful year of 1969, Zenith announced the "world's first" - the El Primero. It's a rare example of a movement's nickname becoming an icon. Following the discontinuation and subsequent re-release of the El Primero, which remains Zenith's flagship caliber to this day, we trace its history.
El Primero CHRONOGRAPH A384
One of the first series made in 1969
One of the first models released in the fall of 1969. Only 2400 were produced. This is an extremely rare example, not even available in the Zenith Museum. The movement name, 3019PHC, stands for 30mm diameter (30), chronograph (the 9 is the chronograph's identification number), P (Power = automatic winding), H (Hour = 12-hour counter), and C (C = calendar). Automatic winding (Cal. 3019PHC). 31 jewels. 36,000 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 37mm). Private collection.
The El Primero, also known as the Caliber 3019PHC, was announced on January 10, 1969. However, its release was significantly delayed, and it wasn't released as a product until the fall of the same year. In May of the same year, Seiko released the Speed Timer, equipped with the Caliber 6139. Unfortunately, Zenith was unable to claim the honor of being the world's first automatic chronograph.
However, the El Primero offered far more than other automatic chronographs released at the time. Its vibration frequency of 36,000 vph gave it chronometer-level precision, measuring time to one-tenth of a second. Its power reserve of approximately 50 hours also provided excellent isochronism. Its chronograph mechanism was even more superior. Though its design was conventional, each component was robust and had more adjustable parts than even a high-end manual-winding chronograph. Unlike Seiko's 6139, which aimed for a low price, or Heuer/Breitling's 11, which prioritized productivity, the El Primero was designed as a purely luxury watch.
The El Primero was a luxury watch. With that in mind, the breakdown of the first models makes sense. The El Primero models released in the fall of 1969 were the A384 with a stainless steel case, the G383 with an 18K yellow gold/white gold case, and the G381 with an 18K yellow gold case. Six more models were added that same year, but the majority of these were gold cases.
The watch in the photo is the first model of the A384, released in 69. This model was produced until 71, but this is probably the genuine first model. This watch is extremely well-made, not only in terms of the movement it houses, but also in terms of the comfort it provides when worn. Zenith gave this first model the same level of perfection as its movement.
(Top right) Dial with the El Primero logo. This simple logo was used until 1986.
(Center) Case side. The crystal is attached lower than the hands. This is likely a consideration to minimize the thickness of the case, which is caused by the thick automatic chronograph movement. The watch has retained its original shape beautifully, but the crown that was replaced during the overhaul is a design that was used from the following year, 70. This design was used until 2000.
(Bottom left) Back case. Models from 1967 to 69 have a star-shaped mark engraved on the crown or case back. Although it looks like a star, it is actually two Zs stacked on top of each other.
(Bottom right) Gay Frear bracelet and buckle. This is a typical "winding bracelet" of the time. Although it lacks rigidity, this was the standard specification for the A384.
