Zenith El Primero 410 Tribute to Charles Vermot
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Zenith El Primero 410 Tribute to Charles Vermot

By Ornatus-Mundi · Jun 4, 2015 · 11 replies
Ornatus-Mundi
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Author Ornatus-Mundi introduces the Zenith El Primero 410 Tribute to Charles Vermot Limited Edition, a timepiece specifically designed for connoisseurs. This article delves into the watch's technical specifications and unique design elements, highlighting its homage to Charles Vermot, the watchmaker who famously saved the El Primero movement from destruction.

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Very now and then a watch brand creates a watch which is obviously geared towards its connoisseurs. The new Zenith El Primero 410 Tribute to Charles Vermot Limited Edition is one such case:



Let's start with the technical basics: offered in a (now Zenith's 'standard size') 42mm steel case (with brushed lugs) carrying a mesmerising blue dial with a sun ray decoration, it will be made in 1975 pieces at a price slightly below 10k€.

Furthermore, it comes with Zenith's signature mushroom pushers and a full calendar complication:



But what justifies the word 'obvious' I added above when I mused about its dedication to us aficionados? Well, its in the details:

1.) the full calendar complication is one of the most appreciated amongst Zenith's El Primero disciples, and in fact was one of the cornerstone complication in the early 1980s after the revival not only of Zenith, but also of the Swiss watch industry proper.

2.) the blue colour, a consequence of the watch's homage to Charles Vermot, more on this below!

3.) no overlapping chronograph dials

4.) consequently, also design differentiation of hands layout according function: all chronograph hands carry a red accent.



I said it before, this dial is simply superlunary!

On the back of course a crystal case such as to shed light into the inner workings. More as with other El Primeros, the movement is crucial for the successful implementation of the timepiece.



The movement, here the El Primero Cal. 410, is a landmark in watchmaking history. We all know that, and we also know whom we have to thank for still being able to obtain it new ex factory: Mr Charles Vermot, watchmaker and responsible for tooling at Zenith during the time of the US ownership of the factory.



Mr Vermot was ordered to destroy all machines, tools, parts and technical drawings of the El Primero (and many other movements in Zenith's stable) in the brands drive to focus on electronic watches. He simply did not to have the heart to shed away, as scrap, all what meant the lifeline of Zenith for so many years, and above that for so many years of his own life.

How he got away with presenting the management with receipts for the scrap metal value (he was supposed to sell the stuff for its metal value) I do not know. 

Instead, with a handful of initiated (or conspirers) he catalogued all they could secure, and stored it safely in a remote attic of one of Zenith's buildings.



When in the early 1980 Ebel approached Zenith to inquired for a small lot of El Primero movements, the management could only decline - "sorry, we have none left, all destroyed years ago". But then Charles Vermot's prime hour came: He cleared his throat, and then said: "Well, that's actually not true - let me show you!" - the rest is history!

It was his sense to the intrinsic value, and his disobedience towards the orders of his superiors which saved the El Primero, and saved (later) Zenith.

Charles Vermot's favourite colour was blue - thus the very apt choice of the dial. And in the B&W image above you see him wearing exactly the full calendar version Cal. 410.

Thus, with the newly presented Zenith El Primero 410 Tribute to Charles Vermot us Zenith lovers have the chance to wear a very intimate, a very significant piece on our wrist, at the same time commemorating one of the most crucial moments and one of the most important men in watchmaking history.

And it feels good!




With its 42mm it sits in the median range for a contemporary watch, although it appears a (tiny) bit large, but it is still very wearable, and very consistently designed.



Kudos to Zenith to pay homage to a humble watchmaker who probably did more to the fate and future of this brand than many, many CEOs. Kudos also,for choosing this complication which Mr Vermot wore himself. And, finally, a third kudos for the faultless and very respectful implementation - design- and technology-wise!


Thanks for reading,
Magnus

P.S.: article edited 23 May 2016 to correct a mistake with the case size.
 

This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2016-05-23 00:25:53

About the Zenith El Primero Ref. Zenith410

The Zenith El Primero 410 is a distinguished chronograph model that integrates a complete calendar and moon phase complication into the renowned El Primero movement. This reference showcases Zenith's capability in combining complex functions with a high-frequency caliber. It is positioned as a sophisticated offering within the El Primero collection, appealing to collectors seeking both technical prowess and classical aesthetics.

This timepiece is typically housed in a stainless steel or precious metal case, often measuring around 42mm in diameter. It features the automatic El Primero Caliber 410, which beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz) and provides a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. The dial layout is intricate yet balanced, displaying chronograph counters, day, date, month, and moon phase indicators. The movement is visible through a sapphire case back.

The El Primero 410 is highly regarded by collectors for its comprehensive suite of complications and the robust, high-performance El Primero base movement. Its blend of chronograph functionality with a full calendar and moon phase makes it a versatile and mechanically interesting piece. The model's design often draws from vintage Zenith aesthetics, contributing to its enduring appeal.

Specifications

Caliber
El Primero Caliber 410
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
42mm
Dial
Silver
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
BL
blomman Mr Blue
Jun 4, 2015

All the tools! :) And thank you, Magnus for another great report! Must say the dial is just captivating! Love blue dials! :) Less happy about the size - 45 mm for this kind of watch is on the upper limit for me. But, in your wrist shots the watch doesn't look 45, more like 42 mm... Best Blomman

OR
Ornatus-Mundi
Jun 6, 2015

e.g. the perfectly usable and visible subdials PLUS the complete calendar. But you are right, 42mm would probably make it perfect. Thanks, Magnus

FA
Fadsbobo
Jun 7, 2015

Since you handled it I have to think you are correct about the 45mm size. However, the Zenith site shows it to be 42mm just like the other two current 410 variations. I have the steel/silver dial version on my short list but I started thinking about the blue one when I read about it...until you said it was 45mm. If it is indeed 45mm I guess it would simplify my choice. Thanks for the great pictures. Yours are the first I've seen where the blue strap is actually shown as dark blue, which I prefer

OR
Ornatus-Mundi
Jun 8, 2015

for the El Primero. Sorry, I mixed up one row in the press material. So, tough luck for your choice ;-)... As for the strap, well I have to assume it was dark blue. However, please keep in mind that in Basel there is (i) very bad light at the booths, (ii) we see typically hundreds of watch (do I complain? No, but these are exactly the situations where such tiny details get lost...) and (iii) brands often have so called 'proto straps' which are not the final version. Particularly, we have seen qu

MA
Marcus Hanke
Jun 11, 2015

... where I saw this exact watch in the window of our local Zenith dealer. I thought by myself: "Ay, what a nice watch!". At first, I assumed it to be an earlier Charly Vermot edition, due to the blue dial, until I saw the windows of the full calendar indication. Nice to find this review here, which explains everything. Had I seen it a month earlier, I might wear it now. Well, maybe later. I never had a cal. 410, only 400s. Marcus

FA
Fadsbobo
Jul 2, 2015

However, blue may still have a place in my future. Actually, I'm really happy to get the silver since it had been on my wish list since it came out in this 410 variation.

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