Zenith Chronomaster El Primero automatic 42 mm Full Set 2020

The Story

In January 1969, Zenith unveiled a movement that would forever change watchmaking history: the El Primero caliber, the first integrated automatic chronograph produced in series, capable of beating at the high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour.

Over time, the El Primero became renowned for its reliability, integrated construction and central role in the history of the modern chronograph. Saved from extinction in the 1970s, when Swiss watchmaking was going through a deep crisis, it owes its survival to the tenacity of Charles Vermot, a watchmaker at the manufacture, who refused to let this legacy disappear. Thanks to his determination, Zenith was able to revive its legend in the 1980s and once again establish the El Primero as one of the most respected chronograph movements in the world.

The Chronomaster collection pays tribute to this epic story. As the true showcase for the El Primero, it presents this mythical movement in watches that combine heritage and modernity. Among them, the Chronomaster El Primero 42 mm has emerged as a contemporary icon: a sporty chronograph dressed in timeless design, which takes up the historic aesthetic codes, starting with the tri-color dial — grey, blue and anthracite — first seen in 1969 on the famous A386 reference.

More than just a watch, the Chronomaster embodies an identity for Zenith, an authentic DNA. Every detail recalls that it is both a witness of the past and a living piece of modern watchmaking, powered by one of the most legendary calibers ever created.

Getting to Know It

The Chronomaster El Primero 42 mm stands out with its balance between modernity and heritage. Its 42 mm stainless steel case, alternating polished and brushed surfaces, asserts a contemporary presence while retaining harmonious proportions. The slim bezel highlights the dial and enhances the readability of the chronograph.

The sunray silver dial features the famous tri-color subdial configuration – grey, blue and anthracite – directly inspired by the historic A386 reference from 1969. This iconic detail has become a true Zenith signature, instantly recognizable. At 9 o’clock, the small seconds counter balances the dial, while the 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers are positioned at 3 o’clock and 6 o’clock. The central red chronograph hand adds dynamism to the ensemble and underscores the sporty character of the model. At 6 o’clock, a discreet date window completes the symmetry.

The peripheral minute track and tachymeter scale recall the original vocation of the Chronomaster: measuring speed and elapsed time with extreme precision. Protected by a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, the dial maintains excellent legibility in all circumstances.

On the back, a transparent sapphire caseback reveals the El Primero caliber, allowing enthusiasts to admire the mechanics and distinctive Zenith finishes. The watch is fitted on a black leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching, closed by a stainless steel folding clasp, enhancing both the elegance and comfort of this versatile chronograph.

A Legendary Caliber

The Chronomaster El Primero 42 mm is powered by the El Primero 400B caliber, a worthy heir to the mythical movement launched in 1969. An integrated automatic chronograph, it perpetuates the original spirit of the El Primero while benefiting from modern optimizations, ensuring its longevity and adaptation to contemporary watchmaking standards.

This movement is distinguished by its high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz), which ensures a more precise reading of the chronograph and gives the central seconds hand an impressively smooth motion. Its 50-hour power reserve, despite this high frequency, makes it as practical as it is performant.

The 400B is a column-wheel chronograph, controlled by a horizontal clutch. This choice, faithful to tradition, provides a visually appealing mechanism, visible through the sapphire caseback of the watch. The chronograph start-stop-reset functions are actuated with characteristic precision and smoothness, enhancing the user experience. The movement also incorporates a reset system with hammers and heart-shaped cams, guaranteeing a crisp and instantaneous reset of the counters.

Finally, the 400B reveals its refined finishes through the transparent caseback: decorated bridges, polished screws, and an openworked oscillating weight adorned with Zenith’s star, the emblem of the manufacture. More than just a caliber, it embodies the durability and technical credibility of a movement invented more than fifty years ago, and considered one of the most respected chronographs in watchmaking history.

The Package

This Zenith Chronomaster El Primero 42 mm, dated 2020, is offered Full Set, delivered with its original box, manual, and international warranty card.

Before being put up for sale, it was entrusted to our watchmakers at the Lepage workshop, where it underwent a full inspection and a water-resistance test, ensuring its perfect condition.

In addition, this model is covered by the Lepage Vintage one-year warranty, providing peace of mind and confidence to fully enjoy this iconic chronograph.