Zenith El Primero Movement in Other Brands

Ornatus-Mundi · 2015-01-12T08:13:57Z

Explore Zenith's El Primero movement in other brands' watches. Discover its historical significance, technical modifications, and impact on Rolex, Ebel, Panerai, and more. Insights from collectors.

Ornatus-Mundi

WPS member · Zenith forum

15 replies7958 views5 photos

Ornatus-Mundi's post highlights the historical significance of Zenith's El Primero movement, celebrated as the first integrated automatic chronograph. This article explores its unique position in watchmaking history, particularly during the quartz crisis, when it became the movement of choice for many esteemed brands. The discussion invites collectors to share their perspectives on watches powered by this iconic caliber.

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The El Primero automatic chronograph movement has made history as the first integrated automatic chronograph. This alone is a commendable achievement.

But there is more to it: after the dawn of the quart crisis it was the first choice of many respected brands - because it was the only available fine automatic chronograph on the market! Unthinkable today, but in the early 1980s this was indeed the case...

Thus, it is no surprise that quite a number of respected brand opted for the El Primero to drive their automatic chronograph watches.

Here are a number of them (images taken from the web): First, Ebel (who incidentally were the very first to use the El Primero at all, even before Zenith themselves!):

Then, of course Rolex, who used the El Primero in a customised version, without date and a modified escapement (28'800 instead 36'000 vph; free-sprung balance). The modification actually was not done at Rolex., but by a dedicated group of watchmakers at Zenith, located in a separate room...

Then, Panerai...

... and Daniel Roth who used this engine to drive their very charming and characteristic chronographs:

The last contender I know of is Zenith's meanwhile sister company TAG Heuer, named the Calibre 36:

Do you know of any additional 'El Primero cuckoo's eggs'?

What is your take on such watches? Are they desirable (perhaps because they attest to the El Primero's unique position and qualities?)? Do you have a favourite or do you own such a piece (if so, which (pics please!!!)?)?

Cheers,

Magnus

This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2015-01-13 05:29:15

Key Points from the Discussion

A comprehensive list of brands that have cased the El Primero movement includes Boucheron, Concord, Dior, DuBois & Fils, Dunhill, Ebel, Ekegren Genève, Louis Vuitton, Movado, Panerai, Parmigiani, Rolex, Daniel Roth, Kurth Schaffo, and TAG Heuer.
The Concord Impresario, featuring the El Primero (Cal. 411), is noted for its impressive coin-edge case finishing, pleasant heft, and reasonable diameter, making it a characterful and often overlooked collector's bargain.
The El Primero's development largely stemmed from Martel, Universal Geneve's chronograph movement supplier, acquired by Zenith in 1960. Movado joined Zenith in 1969, making it part of the consortium at introduction, but not involved in the actual development.
The El Primero's classical construction, resembling old manual-wind movements, and its historical importance contribute to its enduring appeal, even with many other fine automatic chronographs now available.
Modern brands like Hublot (Spirit of Big Bang) and Bulgari (Octo Chrono) also utilize the El Primero movement, rebranded as Calibre 36.
For some collectors, the presence of an El Primero movement, with or without modifications, enhances a watch's quality and value, demonstrating a clear bias towards this iconic caliber.

The Discussion

ztirual

Jan 12, 2015

Thank you Marcus, can elaborate on Ebel

being the first to have an EP movement cased in one of their watches, ie. before the launch of the EP by Zenith on 10th January 1969? Always keen to learn more, advance thank you. Z'

Ornatus-Mundi

Jan 12, 2015

"After the dawn of the quarts crisis it was the first choice of many respected brands..."

that was the context. Of course Zenith used it before after 1969, but they were not the first after the infamous 1970/1980 years... Magnus

ztirual

Jan 12, 2015

Thanks, of course. It makes sense. [nt]

Ornatus-Mundi

Jan 12, 2015

I am currently trying to get some more details on the Ebel story from Zenith... [nt]

jmpTT

Jan 12, 2015

You can add the Concord Impresario to this list...

Having examined the Concord Impresario in-person, I was very impressed with the coin-edge case finishing. It's a good looking watch with pleasant heft and a reasonable diameter. An El Primero watch with character, for sure. Due to Concord's re-branding efforts, the Impresario appears to be nearly forgotten, except when it shows up on occasion as a collector's bargain find. Images borrowed from a seller on Chrono24:

Ornatus-Mundi

Jan 12, 2015

How could I miss this?

This indeed is a fascinating piece, albeit its style is a bit polarising to me. Long gone times, indeed! Best, Magnus

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