Zenith El Primero 36000 VpH Black Dial Review

Ornatus-Mundi · 2014-06-09T11:03:14Z

Explore the Zenith El Primero 36000 VpH in black, featuring the Caliber 400 B movement. A detailed review with high-quality photos and collector insights.

Ornatus-Mundi

WPS member · Zenith forum

13 replies6986 views16 photos

Ornatus-Mundi, known for his "Coffee House Tales" series, delves into the Zenith El Primero 36000 VpH in black. This installment explores the watch's design elements and the enduring appeal of its Caliber 400 B movement. His detailed photo essay highlights the timepiece's classic aesthetics and technical finishing, inviting readers to appreciate Zenith's chronographic heritage.

After last week's disturbing news of the new commemorative edition I spent a rather reassuring fine afternoon with Zenith's Miss R, again in the same coffee house Sperl as in my previous (and first) post in this series, but this time with a quite different 'star' accompanying us - the Zenith El Primero 36000 VpH in mysterious black - Miss R's personal watch:

The timepiece is certainly one of those which many would naturally associate with Zenith: a great and famous movement, a classic design with with just the right tad of spice thanks to metallic islands coating on a generously dark landscape:

Befitting a venerable chronograph manufacture like Zenith are the bold crown and - particularly - the elaborately designed chronograph pushers:

Ceterum censeo: I just wish (how often now?) they would get the design of the subdial consistent with their function... Sighh!

Let's get a bit closer to understand the secret of its appeal:

First, we have a well balanced suspense between the opaque black background and the sublimely structured and dimensioned silver chapter rings:

In achieving the complex balance between the shapes, dimensions and surface treatments went obviously much time and effort. The result is very convincing, but I strongly suspect that this was neither easy nor obvious to attain.

Note how well the minute hand aligns over the (complexly shaped) indices:

Another delight awaits us:

Another brilliant sight of the most pure El Primero Cal. 400 B movement. I barely can get enough of this, it just appeals to me with its no-nonsense but still very fine presentation. Its not only the movement itself, its also the this magnificent case back with its fours 'lugs':

You don't really buy an El Primero for its haute horlogerie finishing. Such movements are technically extremely well finished. However there are still a lot of niceties to admire. Perlage for example, even on an intermediate winding wheel:

Or how about perfectly straight brushings (those are done by hand) and chatonised rubies?

Really, the El Primero is a movement I could well live with! Look yourselves for this 42mm of irresistible seduction:

The image above already gives a hint: take the right light, and the watch suddenly abounds with detail and dimension, as the below experiment proves:

Certainly something for the child in every man (or a boring meeting, if you like...).

The case obstruction of the El Primero 36000 VpH makes for an elegant and rather flat impression on the wrist. Well done, particularly for a chronograph with a centrally mounted rotor!

Attention to the details is what always fascinates. Like this star-spangled tang buckle. Its certainly among the nicest and most beautiful I know!

Conclusion:

With the black Zenith El Primero 36000 VpH the manufacturer presented a highly addicting yet classical timepiece which exemplifies what the brand stands for: groundbreaking constructions, technically implemented in exemplary fashion, and packed in a very appealing case. Much though has been given to the balance of aesthetic elements which reveal themselves over time.

The watch deserves much more than just a one-night stand, and it has all the qualities to be a life companion. It is not perfect though, as the sundial layout demonstrates. Another target for critique could be the hours hand which I think is a tad too short.

I guess many of you, myself included, would love to see much more of this - and with NO tongue in cheek!

Thanks for viewing!

Cheers,

Magnus

P.S.: Any feedback, suggestions, criticism on this series is highly welcome and appreciated!

This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2014-06-09 06:51:03

Key Points from the Discussion

The Zenith El Primero 36000 VpH showcases significant quality, particularly highlighted by the author's photography, though some designs, especially subdial proportions, don't quite match the brand's vintage pieces or earlier models like the Chronomaster Triple Date.
The subdial design incongruence, where aesthetics sometimes override functional clarity, is a recurring issue for Zenith, a brand proud of its chronographic heritage, suggesting a prioritization of design over precise technical measurement.
A fellow collector shares images of their own Zenith El Primero 36000 VpH (Ref. 03.2040.400/21.C496), expressing a long-standing appreciation for Zenith, particularly the De Luca and the 36000 VpH models.
While the 42mm case size is effective, some collectors prefer the dial aesthetics of the 38mm El Primero models, which feature relatively larger subdials that are still readable despite overlapping.
The author clarifies that the challenging lighting conditions were in a traditional 'coffee house' rather than a modern 'coffee shop,' underscoring the effort in capturing the watch's details.
Despite not owning a Zenith, one commenter identifies the El Primero 36000 VpH as a model they would consider, noting that other Zenith designs, such as open-heart dials or themed editions, often deter them.

The Discussion

Spellbound

Jun 9, 2014

Although 42mm works perfect, I do prefer the dial aesthetics of the 38mm El Primero's with the relatively larger subdials vs dial. The overlapping subdials not an issue as it is still readable to anyone with half a brain, and aesthetically it works better than the tiny and complete and skewed to the center subdials on the new 410. Love this watch with the black dial, but will always choose the tri-colour subdial version (which is often sold out at ADs). Great report Magnus, and great photography

dr.kol

Jun 9, 2014

I just found a perfect 40 mm Chronomaster and paid it today. Latest on Wednesday evening I should have that on my wrist. Best, Kari

klaus.marcher

Jun 9, 2014

Thanks for a very interesting read Magnus and a very nice watch. I like the black dial very much. Here is my version. BR Klaus

jmpTT

Jun 9, 2014

A very convincing photo essay, as always. The close-up shot of the sharply-edged indices is my favorite. The Zenith shows plenty of quality, which your photography really highlights. I really like some of the designs coming out of Zenith, but they still aren't quite there for me. Nothing that hits the same high notes as the Chronomaster Triple Date and the New Vintage 1969. Or the real vintage pieces, where the subdial proportions were not an afterthought. I want to return to the subdial for my

ingmar

Jun 9, 2014

I don't own a Zenith. But if I did, this would probably be the model for me. Honestly though, every time I get close they do so,etching I don't like: open "heart" or the Rolling Stomes one those weird stars on the new moonphase. But they put out some classic pieces too. And your photos are supurb.

blomman Mr Blue

Jun 9, 2014

Thank you for this report and beautiful photos! :) Even if I am not a big fan of chronographs, I must say I find this one very attractive. Best Blomman

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