Vintage Zenith A386 El Primero Acquisition

It just so happens one of my watch buddy flew into Hong Kong and I arranged to meet him to do one of my walkabouts around Tsim Sha Tsui the heart of this crazy watch city. After some grub, and some mutual-appreciation of the watches we had...

and visiting the usual used dealers and boutiques with the the usual incredible range of watches, we headed for drinks amidst intermittent summer showers, and took cover through some of the many small alleyways in TST, and came across a pawn shop with an innocuous looking watch display. I have come across enough 'finds' in HK to learn never to underestimate what watches one can find ANYWHERE in Hong Kong, so in we step into this place...

where not much other than the usual Rolexes could be seen. One particular piece struck me and given its size and dial immediately excited me -- but its condition was to give me pause as to whether it would be what I think it was... v

so these pictures were taken, and posted immediately on the Zenith facebook group that I manage to obtain some feedback. Very quickly came confirmations that brought me to yet a new level of excitement, and kicking me into full acquisition mood, especially given the price point which was offered -- if all turned out real, then clearly the seller did not know what he had in his hands. so over drinks of much watch talk with my buddy, and some preliminary research done courtesy of an iPhone, it became pretty much a foregone conclusion that that piece must be had by me. And as would only be right, I returned a horological favor in this meta-physical watch universe, because the buddy of mine couldn't take his eyes of my watch, and he confirmed he would obtain an identical piece.

some sixteen hours later, in I trouped into the shop, and the prize was mine. Unfortunately, due to an invitation to an event by another brand, I could not rush home to rummage through my box of straps, and get a correctly sized one to pair with one of my spare Zenith buckles, but --- the prize was mine. So on an eventful July day, none of which could happen had a watch buddy not been in town, a vintage A386 joins my family of Zeniths...

On close examination, I believe mine to have an original dial, based on the font of the 'El Primero', the flat A in the word 'chronograph', and the star on caseback. However, my crown is not signed with a Star, so this warrants further investigation -- opinions welcome here. The condition, in my humble and biased opinion, is excellent for its age. I had much trouble believing at first instance this was some 43 years old.

And I was to be able to bring this to a Zenith event two days later (but more on that in a later post). Five days after acquisition, this baby is finding itself right at home with me...

thanks for reading ! This message has been edited by Dr No on 2013-07-22 15:57:07