Ebel 1911 El Primero: A Catalyst in Zenith's Revival

Key Points from the Discussion

• Ebel played a significant role in Zenith's financial revival during the quartz crisis by commissioning the El Primero movement for its 1911 Chronograph, after Zenith's original manufacturing plant was secretly preserved despite orders to scrap it.
• The Ebel 1911 Chronograph, powered by the El Primero, was famously associated with the Miami Vice TV program, further cementing its place in popular culture and horological history.
• A collector shares their experience of acquiring a bi-metal Ebel 1911 El Primero to fill a gap while their all-steel version was undergoing a lengthy service, noting a personal shift away from bi-metal watches over time.
• The original author acknowledges the detailed historical background on the Ebel/Zenith collaboration, noting that while aware of the El Primero connection, the extent of Ebel's instrumental role in Zenith's survival was new information.
• Another collector showcases an anOrdain watch, highlighting its unique aesthetic and suitability for the autumn season, suggesting it would have been a strong contender in a weekly WristScan.
• A collector shares a wristshot of a Rolex on an Oyster bracelet, noting a preference for a green NATO strap which significantly increases its wrist time.